Carex rosea – Rosy Sedge (B.DR.DRGHT.EC.GRD.H)

Ecosystem Services:
(B)-Birds                                             (B&B)-Birds & Butterflies

(BTF)-Butterflies                             (BW)-Black Walnut Resistant

(DR)-Deer Resistant                      (DRGHT)-Drought Resistant

(EC)-Erosion Control                    (EVR)-Evergreen

(FC)-Fall Color                                 (FRG)-Fragrant

(GRD)-Groundcover                      (H)-Host plant

(HMR)-Hummingbirds                (M)-Mammals

(MTH)-Moths                                   (N)-Nectar

(NB)-Native Bees                            (NST)-Nesting Material

(OP)-Other pollinators                 (RR)-Rabbit Resistant

(SHWY)-Showy                                (SPC)-Specimen Plan

Carex rosea is a petite perennial sedge that forms 1’ mounds of narrow shaggy foliage. The leaves are deep green and semi-evergreen.  In late spring green star-shaped flower spikes are displayed above the foliage.  This sedge occurs in shade to partly shaded woods in wet to dry soil.  It also has great landscape potential as a woodland groundcover or lawn substitute.

Carex rosea grows in compact clumps of delicate arching foliage.  The crown expands to form larger clumps but this sedge is not noticeably rhizomatous.  Carex rosea prospers in dry, moist or wet woodlands including difficult dry shady sites.  The preferred exposure is the bright shade or part sun found at woods edge.  Plants will tolerate full shade but will not fill in as quickly.

Host plant for Skipper and Satyr butterflies and the seeds are relished by birds and turtles. Deer Resistant!