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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Plant Characteristics

• 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.

Wildlife Benefits

• 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.

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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Plant Characteristics

• 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.

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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Plant Characteristics and Wildlife Benefit

• 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, adaptable native is known for its distinct, wing-shaped seed heads that cluster into unique "oval" spikes in early summer. Its medium-green foliage forms attractive, fountain-like tufts. Remarkably resilient, it thrives in a range of conditions—from dry, sunny meadows to moist garden borders. Whether you are looking to fill a gap in a native pollinator garden or need a reliable plant for a challenging clay-heavy spot, this sedge delivers both function and subtle, natural charm.

Plant Profile

• Sun Exposure Full Sun, Part Shade, Shade

• Water Needs Low to Medium; very drought-tolerant once established

• Soil Type Adaptable; thrives in clay, loam, or sandy soils

• Mature Height 1–2 feet

• Deer Resistance High

• Bloom Time June, July

• Plant Spacing 6–10 inches

Plant Characteristics

• Extreme Versatility: One of the most adaptable sedges, handling everything from drought to temporary flooding.

• Unique Textures: The flattened, oval seed heads provide a fascinating visual detail that stands out in a naturalized landscape.

• Low Maintenance: Highly resistant to pests and diseases, requiring almost no intervention once it is settled in your garden.

Pro Tip: Plains Oval Sedge is an ideal choice for "inter-planting" in a meadow or prairie garden. Because it handles dry soil so well, use it as a living mulch between taller flowering perennials like Coneflowers or Black-eyed Susans to suppress weeds and keep moisture in the soil.

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.

Plant Profile

• 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

Plant Characteristics

• 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.