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.
Drooping Woodland Sedge is a must-have for anyone looking to add fine texture to a shade garden. Typically found in rich deciduous and beech-maple-hemlock forests, including forested dunes; also in rocky open forests, mixed forests, and under conifers such as cedar, pine, or hemlock, particularly in moist ground. This native sedge is named for its slender, hair-like flower spikes that arch gracefully toward the ground in late spring.
Sun Exposure Part Shade to Full Shade
Water Needs Moderate; prefers consistent moisture but can handle average garden soil.
Soil Type Rich, loamy woodland soils; adaptable to rocky ground.
Mature Height 1 – 2 feet
Deer Resistance Moderate - High
Bloom Time May – June
Plant Spacing 12 – 18 inches
Graceful Texture: The "weeping" effect of its foliage and seed heads adds a sense of movement and softness to heavy shade areas.
Shade Solution: Thrives in the dappled light under deciduous trees where many grasses fail to grow.
Not Aggressive: Its narrow, deep-green leaves form tidy, lush clumps that remain attractive throughout the growing season. Unlike many aggressive spreaders, this species stays in polite, arching mounds, making it a perfect choice for bordering woodland paths or tucking between larger plants.
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, 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.
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
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.
