Carex aterrima, commonly known as Black Sedge or Darkest Sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to a variety of wetland habitats including forested wetlands, fens, and moist meadows in Europe and Asia. It thrives in peaty, often acidic soils, where it forms dense tussocks. Black Sedge typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1.5-2.5 feet (0.46-0.76 meters) and is characterized by its grass-like leaves and green to brown flowers that are inconspicuous, blooming in the spring and summer.

Black Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and as a ground cover in shaded areas. It is also appreciated for its texture and the dark color of its foliage, which can add contrast to garden plantings. This sedge is relatively low maintenance, requiring consistent moisture and tolerating a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and peat. It prefers full shade to part shade, making it suitable for understory plantings and areas with dappled sunlight. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from rust or fungal leaf spots. Care should be taken to ensure that it does not become invasive in areas outside its native range, as it can form dense colonies that may outcompete other species.CC BY-SA 4.0