Easily one of the most recognizable sedges in North America, this plant is famous for its large, inflated seed heads that resemble miniature "maces" or spiked morning stars. With its upright, fountain-like habit and lush, green foliage, Common Bur Sedge is a standout choice for adding texture to shady spots. It is a dependable performer that naturally thrives in the dappled light of woodland gardens and damp lowlands.
Sun Exposure Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
Water Needs Moderate to High; prefers consistently moist soil.
Soil Type Rich, loams; clay-tolerant.
Mature Height 2 – 3 feet
Deer Resistance High (Sedges are generally avoided by deer and rabbits).
Bloom Time May – August (Seed heads remain decorative through winter).
Plant Spacing 1 – 2 feet
Architectural Interest: The geometric, star-shaped seed pods are a favorite for floral arrangements and add a unique look to the natural landscape.
Versatile: It is an uncommon sedge because it thrives in both woodlands and wetlands, as well as being a great choice for planting along streams.
Winter Presence: Unlike many perennials that disappear, the sturdy seed stalks stay upright, catching the frost and snow for a beautiful winter display.
Woodland birds and mammals:In wet wooded areas the unique seeds are eaten by birds such as Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse, Wood Duck, Woodcock and small mammals.
Butterfly Host: Serves as a larval host for several species of sedge-feeding butterflies and moths including the Appalachian Brown butterfly.
Pro Tip: Common Bur Sedge is a perfect companion for other shade-loving natives like Wild Ginger, and Ferns. For a striking look, plant it along the edge of a shaded rain garden or a woodland path where its unique seed heads can be admired up close.
Named for its unique, drooping seed heads that resemble delicate beads on a string, this native perennial is a versatile powerhouse for moist, shaded areas. Unlike many grasses, Necklace Sedge thrives in those tricky, damp spots where other plants might struggle. It is an excellent choice for stabilizing soil, filtering runoff in rain gardens, or adding a naturalized look to a woodland edge.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs High; prefers consistently moist to wet soil
Soil Type Rich, loamy, or silty soils; tolerates clay
Mature Height 1–3 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time July-August
Plant Spacing 18–24 inches
Habitat: River or stream floodplains, forests, marshes, shores of rivers or lakes, swamps, edges of wetlands.
Unique Aesthetics: The "necklace" seed heads add visual interest well into the summer months.
Erosion Control: Its dense root system makes it a functional choice for pond edges or stream banks.
Color: It forms graceful, arching mounds of bright green foliage that provide a lush, soft-textured groundcover or accent along water features.
Known for its unique foliage arrangement, the leaves of this native sedge radiate from the stem tips like miniature palm fronds. Native to lowland woods and floodplains, Palm Sedge is incredibly hardy and adaptable. It forms dense, upright clumps that provide an excellent textural contrast to broad-leaved plants. Whether used as a massed groundcover or a focal point in a rain garden, it offers year-round visual appeal and structural integrity.
Sun Exposure Full Sun to Part Shade (prefers shade in hot climates)
Water Needs Medium to High; thrives in moist to wet conditions
Soil Type Moist, rich loams, sand, clay and brief flooding
Mature Height 2–3 feet
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time July
Plant Spacing 1–2 feet
Unique Appearance: Its "palm-like" appearance adds an unexpected aesthetic to native plantings.
Versatile Solutions: Perfect for ground cover, rain gardens, or those soggy corners of the yard where traditional grasses fail.
Host Plant: Palm Sedge serves as a host plant for several for several Satyr larvae species.
Pro Tip: Palm Sedge is one of the few sedges that handles "wet feet" exceptionally well. To maintain its vibrant green color through the heat of summer, ensure it stays consistently moist. If the tips begin to brown, it’s a sign the plant needs a deep watering or more shade.
This hardy native perennial is a champion of dry, challenging environments. Named for its preference for sandy or rocky terrains, it is an ideal choice for gardeners looking to fill difficult gaps with a plant that is as tough as it is attractive. Sand Bracted Sedge is particularly valued for its distinct, prickly-looking seed spikes that emerge in late spring. Whether you are designing a rock garden, a dry meadow, or looking for a low-maintenance groundcover for an upland site, this sedge provides reliable structure and year-round appeal.
Sun Exposure Full Sun (preferred) to Part Shade
Water Needs Low; highly drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Sandy, rocky, or well-drained loams; tolerates poor soil
Mature Height 2 - 3 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate
Bloom Time May, June, July
Plant Spacing 12–18 inches
Unbeatable Hardiness: One of the best sedges for dry, sandy, or nutrient-poor soils where other plants struggle to survive.
prefers full sun and dry, even sandy soils in areas like sand dunes, upland sand prairies, rocky woodlands, and areas along railroads and fields.
Neat Habit: Unlike some spreading sedges, this species stays in tidy, reliable clumps, making it easy to incorporate into formal garden beds.
Wildlife Benefit: The seeds of this upland sedge are a food source for the birds such as Pheasant, Wild Turkey, Horned Lark, and the Snow Buntings. The Prairie Vole will also feed on the foliage and seeds.
