plantainleaf sedge

Plant Type

Grass/Grass-like

Life Cycle

Perennial

Typical Size

0.5-3 ft. tall
>1 ft. wide

Tolerant of

Occasional Flooding

Inolerant of

Dry Soil, Direct Afternoon Sun

Propagation

By division

Plant Propagation Notes

Established clumps can be divided at the crown in spring or fall.

Plants/Diseases

No significant pest or disease issues.

Wildlife Benefits

Fruit/seeds for birds

Leaves

Simple, linear sheath with entire margins. Leaf surface has a seersucker texture.

Flowers

Showy brown to copper or even purple flowers in spikes on long inflorescences held high above the foliage.

Fruit

Achene.

Toxicity

No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones

3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Light Exposure

Part Sun/Shade, Full Shade

Soil Moisture

Moist

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

Neutral (6.0-8.0), Basic (greater than 8.0)

Native in South Carolina?

Yes

Plant Native Habitat

Rich forests, mostly over mafic or calcareous rocks.

Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)

Secure (G5)

Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)

Not Listed

Distribution Notes

Rare in the piedmont and the mountains. Absent from the coastal plain.