Carex ferruginea, commonly known as Rusty Sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the understory of moist to wet deciduous and mixed forests, as well as along streams and in alpine meadows across Central and Southern Europe. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters). Rusty Sedge has narrow, grass-like leaves and produces brownish flower spikes in late spring to early summer, which are not particularly showy but add texture to the garden. The plant’s common name derives from the rusty or reddish-brown color of its mature seed heads.

Rusty Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in damp, shady conditions, making it a suitable choice for rain gardens, woodland gardens, and as a ground cover in moist, shaded areas. It is also used for erosion control along stream banks. This sedge prefers consistently moist soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is generally low-maintenance, but gardeners should ensure adequate moisture and protect it from excessive dryness. While not prone to serious pests or diseases, Rusty Sedge can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0