Carex spissa

Sunset

Zones 7-9, 14-17, 19-24

Partial, Shade

Ample

San Diego Sedge
Cyperaceae
Ground covers, Perennials

CAREX

Large group of grasslike, clumping plants found worldwide and grown for foliage effect in borders, rock gardens, containers, water gardens (flowers are generally insignificant); some are used as lawn substitutes, as large-scale ground covers, or for erosion control. Long, narrow evergreen leaves are often striped or oddly colored. Specialists offer many varieties. Although characteristically found in damp soils, many sedges will grow under relatively dry conditions in cultivation. Many are short lived in gardens so are used as annuals.

Carex spissa

Native to boggy areasin Southern California. Formsslowly spreading, archingclumps. Coarse, upright silverygray leaves to 3–4 ft. tall. Lightgolden brown clusters of danglingflowers appear in spring.Needs ample moisture and willgrow in standing water.