Clustered Field Sedge (Dune Sedge) – Carex praegracilis (CARE-ex pre-GRASS-ill-iss)

Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

Native to: Much of mid-western and western Northern Hemisphere to S. America, including most of CA;

wet places, often alkali, including meadows, streamsides, floodplains and other moist areas.

Growth characteristics: sod-forming sedge mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Cool-

season sod-forming perennial sedge. Leaves slender, grass-like, from stout black rhizomes. Moderate

growth/spread rate and long lifespan.

Blooms/fruits: Blooms May-Sept. Flowers small, yellow on short stalks.

Uses in the garden: Usefully in many landscape situations. Good as a lawn substitute that’s mowed

occasionally or left natural. Fine on banks, slopes and near streams & ponds. Does ok under trees if gets

some sun. Nice-looking dark-green color & wavy texture. Mix with perennials for a native meadow. May sometimes be labeled as Carex pansa (CA Meadow Sedge: very similar species).

Sensible substitute for: Non-native lawn grasses.

Attracts: Good bird habitat if left un-mowed: provides cover and seeds for food.

Requirements:

Element Requirement

Sun Full sun to part-shade

Soil Any local texture, pH

Water Needs rain/regular water in winter/spring; regular/occasional summer water will keep it green; can be summer dry – will turn golden-tan

Fertilizer none

Other

Management: Can be mowed occasionally if desired – cut high (4-6 inches). Will spread and eventually

form a dense, hardy ‘lawn’.

Propagation: from seed: possible in fall (in prepared ground or pots) by divisions: in fall/winter; easy

Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 13, 20, 21, 24 1/18/15 © Project SOUND

Carex praegracilis - Clustered Fieldsedge