Pennsylvania sedge Carex pensylvanica
Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica) is an evergreen perennial grass in the Cyperaceae family, native to Dry oak woodlands of eastern North America. It grows 15–25 cm (6–10 in) tall and 20–40 cm (8–16 in) wide, wants shade and low water, and is hardy to about -38 °C (-36 °F). Space plants about 20 cm (8 in) apart.
Plan Pennsylvania sedge in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Pennsylvania sedge at a glance
| Type | Perennial grass, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 cm (6–10 in) |
| Mature spread | 20–40 cm (8–16 in) |
| Spacing | 20 cm (8 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5–7 |
| Cold hardiness | About -38 °C (-36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 3) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | None |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Dry oak woodlands of eastern North America |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇨🇦 Canada |
Is Pennsylvania sedge toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Pennsylvania sedge
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and low water.
Questions about Pennsylvania sedge
- How far apart should I plant Pennsylvania sedge?
- About 20 cm (8 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 20–40 cm (8–16 in).
- Does Pennsylvania sedge need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Pennsylvania sedge need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Pennsylvania sedge?
- It tolerates about -38 °C (-36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 3.
- Is Pennsylvania sedge poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Pennsylvania sedge?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Pennsylvania sedge. Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder, Missouri Botanical Garden
- Illinois Wildflowers (descriptions and insect-visitor records), John Hilty, illinoiswildflowers.info
Notes and assumptions
- A soft, fine-textured sedge that spreads slowly into a low, flowing carpet under trees, used as a no-mow lawn for dry shade where turf grass fails.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Papyrus Cyperus papyrus
- Chinese water chestnut (mǎtí) Eleocharis dulcis
- Tiger nut (chufa, earth almond) Cyperus esculentus
- Fountain grass Pennisetum alopecuroides
- Clumping bamboo Fargesia murielae
- Maiden grass (miscanthus) Miscanthus sinensis
- Golden bamboo Phyllostachys aurea
- Switchgrass Panicum virgatum