Gardens of The Blue Ridge Inc.

Growing Native Plants Since 1892

Native Carex (Sedges) and Grasses

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Andropogon geradii – Big Bluestem

One of the best looking foliage of all the native grasses, probably why they call it the king of native grasses. Reaches a height of 4 to 8 feet and has blue-green stems that turn red in the summer and then change to a copper color in the fall. Will tolerate varied conditions from moist to dry, best location is full sun and dry average soil. Makes a nice clump which can be divided.

Full Sun, Dry to Moist Soil, 4-8 ft tall, Zones 4-8

Carex appalachia – Appalachian Sedge

This is excellent sedge to use as a groundcover for dry shade. It will reach a height of about 12 inches and has very fine texture foliage, and forms a nice small mound. Drought tolerant and deer resistant.

Shade to Semi-shade, Dry to Average, 10-12 in. tall, Zones 3-8 

Carex flaccosperma – Blue Wood Sedge           

This Groundcover is a native with striking blue foliage. It is easy to grow and is an evergreen in warmer zones. Cut back in late winter and see it rebound in the spring. You will find it spreads slowly in shady woodland gardens. It propagates by seed or clump division every few years. Can be grown in containers.

Shade, Average Soil, Spring, 6-10” Tall, Spread 10-12”, Zones 5-8

Carex pensylvanica – Pennsylvania Sedge            

This is a native grass that makes an excellent shade groundcover which spreads in a restrained fashion. It has semi-evergreen leaves with an arching effect and spreads via rhizomes. Cut back in spring before new growth appears. It is easy to grow and makes a great underplanting.

Sun/Semi, Average Soil, Spring, 8-10” Tall, Spread 12-18”, Zones 4-8

Carex plantaginea – Plantainleaf Sedge

This sedge variety has 1 inch broad leaf that has a crinkle look to it. It will remain evergreen is most areas. Prefers shade to semi-shade in average to moist soils. It does have a inconspicuous white black tipped flower that appears in the spring. It is best used for the foliage and groundcover aspect. It will reach a height of 8-10 inches with a 10-12 inch spread.

Shade to Semi-shade, Average to Moist, 8-10 in. tall, Zones 4-8

Deschampsia flexuosa – Wavy Hair Grass

This elegant native grass thrives in dry shade. It is fine-textured and looks delicate but is actually tough and drought tolerant. It is also ideal for any well-drained shady location as a ground cover. Its feathery Apricot  blooms blow quietly in the spring breezes. Try to avoid winter wetness.

Shade/Semi, Well-Drained Soil, Spring, 12” Tall, Spread 14”, Zones 4-9

Panicum virgatum – Switch Grass

A well know native grass that will grow in varied conditions, moist to wet, however does not like heavy boggy soil. Soil should be loose give the roots room to spread. The blue green foliage, which turns yellow in the fall, will reach a height of 3-5 feet tall. In the summer it has airy white flowers that last until fall. Very hardy plant.

Sun, Moist to Dry and Well Drained Soil, Summer, 3-5 ft. tall, Zones 2-9

Schizachyrium scoparium – Little Blue Stem

The blades of this native grass are blue or green which turn a orange color in the fall then turn a deep burgundy color in the winter which makes for an attractive plant during the winter months. Foliage will reach a height of about 2-4 feet. Performs best if it is cut to the ground in the spring before new growth appears. Likes an average to dry soil does not like wet feet, and needs full sun. It is both drought tolerant and deer resistant.

Sun, Dry to Average Soil, Summer, 2-4 ft tall, Zones 3-8