This is a specialized problem-solver for the garden. While many sedges require constant moisture, Ivory Sedge is remarkably drought-tolerant once established but tolerates the conditions better if planted in shade. It is one of the few plants that truly thrives in dry shade and alkaline (high pH) soils, making it an ideal choice for planting under cedar trees or in rocky limestone outcroppings.
Sun Exposure Full Sun, Part Shade, Full Shade
Water Needs Low to Moderate; very drought-tolerant for a sedge.
Soil Type Well-drained; prefers alkaline, sandy, or rocky soils.
Mature Height 6 – 10 inches
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time May – June
Plant Spacing 8 – 12 inches
Compact & Tidy: Its small stature makes it a perfect "filler" plant between larger woodland perennials and also goes well between stones or pavers.
Unique Texture: The incredibly fine blades offer a visual contrast to broad-leaved plants like Wild Ginger or Bloodroot.
Pro Tip: Ivory Sedge is slow-growing but long-lived. Because of its petite size and drought tolerance, it makes an excellent native substitute for traditional lawn grass in heavily shaded areas with minimal foot traffic.
This low-growing, tufted perennial is celebrated for its soft, fine-textured blades that create a lush green "lawn" in areas where traditional turfgrass refuses to grow. Native to the floors of deciduous forests, this sedge is incredibly tough and spreads gently via rhizomes to form a thick, weed-suppressing mat. Whether you're looking to fill gaps between stepping stones or create a serene woodland meadow, Pennsylvania Sedge provides a great low-maintenance alternative for shaded landscapes.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs Low to Medium; drought-tolerant once established
Soil Type Well-drained, sand, clay or loam soils
Mature Height 6–12 inches
Deer Resistance High
Bloom Time April, May, June
Plant Spacing 6–10 inches
Turf Alternative: Perfect for stabilizing slopes or underplanting trees where grass won't take hold. Pennsylvania Sedge is the ultimate "no-mow" solution for dry shade.
Drought Tolerant: Unlike many other sedges, it handles dry shade remarkably well once its root system is established.
It will spread between 3-8" each year depending on the soil moisture of the site.
Great Companions: Some plant suggestions that go well with Pennsylvania Sedge include Columbine, Wild Blue Phlox, Plantain Leaved Sedge, Wild Geranium, Wild Strawberry, Big Leaf Aster
