Meadow Sedge
Carex praegracilis
Care
full sun, part shade
moderate
moist; tolerates heavy clay and alkaline soils
0–1ft tall , 1–2ft wide
Apr-Jun · brown
Semi-Deciduous
Resistant
Friendly
Western North America in moist meadows
Inconspicuous brown flower spikes
Excellent lawn alternative; mow to 3 inches; tolerates foot traffic
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Meadow Sedge in full sun to part shade in spring or fall. It's remarkably flexible with soil - it tolerates heavy clay, alkaline soils, and poor drainage, so don't worry about amending. Space plants 12 inches apart if establishing a groundcover or lawn alternative. This sedge actually thrives in wet and seasonally wet spots where other plants struggle, making it ideal for low-lying areas of your Bay Area garden.
After Planting
Water weekly for the first growing season to help establish a strong root system, then taper off as the plant matures - once established, it needs watering no more than once a month during summer. Meadow Sedge is semi-deciduous and will fade back in dormancy; you can mow it down in late winter or early spring. The biggest mistake is overwatering after year one; this plant actually prefers drying out between waterings and will thrive on neglect once it's established.
Wildlife Supported
Birds
ground-nesting species uses dense sedge cover for nest concealment Apr-Jun
cryptic ground-nesting species requires meadow sedge cover for nest protection
Mammals
uses dense sedge patches for runways and burrow systems throughout year
primary forage species for meadow sedge green vegetation and seeds
feeds on sedge seeds during ripening Jul-Aug
Insects
endophytic fungus persists in leaf tissues