Carex appalachica (Appalachian Sedge) - Qt Super Plugs

Found throughout the Appalachians from Maine to Georgia, Appalachian Sedge is a very attractive grass-like plant for dry shade and difficult, rocky soil.  Appalachian Sedge resembles Prairie Dropseed in form, but it only grows to about 12 inches tall.  The clumps turn a nice straw color in the fall, greening up quickly in the spring.

Appalachian Sedge will grow in very dry soils, taking nutrient-poor, acidic soils with ease.  It is often found in pine forests in the Appalachians, as well as on grass balds and dry oak forests.

Uses

Perhaps the best use for Appalachian Sedge is as a ground cover in dry, acidic shade - The clumps grow quickly to size, but they don't spread like Oak Sedge (C. pensylvanica).

Appalachian sedge is nibbled on by rabbits, but it usually remains fairly pest-free.  The seeds provide food for birds and mice over the winter, and thick plantings offer plenty of cover for them as well.

How to Grow

Appalachian sedge is remarkably easy to grow, so long as the drainage requirements can be met.  We've grown it in both heavy shade and morning sun; the clumps fill out the best when they get a little sun.

Plant Appalachian Sedge in average to dry garden soil; wet soil is not tolerated and the plants will die.  Appalachian sedge does reasonably well in red clay, so long as it's not in a wet pocket.  Space the plants 9 to 12 inches apart for a nice groundcover.

We provide Appalachian Sedge in 1-Quart SuperPlugs, which establish very quickly to form a full planting.