Carex brevicaulis, commonly known as Shortstem Sedge, is a perennial herb native to Western North America. This sedge typically grows slowly to a height of 1-1.5 feet (0.3-0.5 meters) and a width of 0.5-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters). It features narrow, grass-like leaves and produces brown, inconspicuous flowers in the spring. The plant’s overall appearance is modest, with a clumping habit that can provide a naturalistic look in garden settings.

Shortstem Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in shady conditions and its preference for moist environments, making it suitable for rain gardens, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover in shaded areas. It is also used for erosion control due to its dense root system. In cultivation, it requires part shade to full shade and performs best in medium to slow-draining clay or loam soils, with consistent moisture. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and leaf spot diseases under certain conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0