Carex argyrantha, commonly known as Hay Sedge, is a deciduous perennial sedge native to open woodlands, grasslands, and rocky outcrops in the eastern United States. This sedge typically reaches a height of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters), forming dense clumps of narrow, arching leaves. The inflorescences are subtle, with small, greenish-brown flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. While not showy, the flowers are ecologically significant, providing food for various insects.

Hay Sedge is valued for its adaptability and low maintenance requirements, making it suitable for naturalistic plantings, erosion control, and restoration projects. It is also used in rain gardens and as a ground cover due to its ability to tolerate both dry and moist conditions. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can thrive in a range of soil types, from sandy to loamy, provided they have good drainage. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established.CC BY-SA 4.0