Other Names:  syn. Carex retroflexa var. texensis

Description:

A sturdy, adaptable variety that thrives in dry to moist conditions, as a low evergreen mat of shiny green foliage; dainty green flower spikes rise up in late spring; perfect as a woodland groundcover or lawn alternative

Ornamental Features

Texas Sedge is primarily valued in the garden for its ornamental upright and spreading habit of growth. It features dainty spikes of green flowers rising above the foliage from late spring to early summer. Its glossy grassy leaves remain green in color throughout the year.

Landscape Attributes

Texas Sedge is an herbaceous evergreen perennial grass with an upright spreading habit of growth. It brings an extremely fine and delicate texture to the garden composition and should be used to full effect.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and is best cleaned up in early spring before it resumes active growth for the season. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Texas Sedge is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Border Edging
• General Garden Use
• Groundcover
• Container Planting

Planting & Growing

Texas Sedge will grow to be only 4 inches tall at maturity extending to 6 inches tall with the flowers, with a spread of 12 inches. Its foliage tends to remain low and dense right to the ground. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 10 years. As an evegreen perennial, this plant will typically keep its form and foliage year-round.

This plant performs well in both full sun and full shade. It is very adaptable to both dry and moist locations, and should do just fine under typical garden conditions. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in both summer and winter to conserve soil moisture and protect it in exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.

Texas Sedge is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. It is often used as a 'filler' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination, providing a mass of flowers against which the larger thriller plants stand out. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.