Yellow Sedge

(Carex flava)

Yellow Sedge (Carex flava)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Carex flava, commonly known as Yellow Sedge, is an evergreen perennial grass native to a variety of wetland habitats including bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and moist woodland areas across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. It typically grows to a height of 0.3 feet (0.09 meters) and can spread to about 2 feet (0.6 meters). This sedge forms dense clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves and produces small, yellow-green flowers in late spring to early summer, which are not particularly showy but add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall appearance.

Yellow Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, water features, and as a ground cover in damp, shady areas. It is also a suitable choice for erosion control on moist banks. In cultivation, it requires consistent moisture and can tolerate a range of soil types, though it prefers those with medium drainage. It is adaptable to both full sun and part shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread vigorously and may need to be managed to prevent unwanted colonization of adjacent areas.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Grass
  • Height: 0.3-2.5 feet
  • Width: 0-1.5 feet
  • Growth Rate: Slow
  • Flower Color: N/A
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: High
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Bird Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Wetland habitats including bogs, marshes, wet meadows, and moist woodland areas

Other Names

Common Names: Large Yellow Sedge, Yellow Sedge, Yellow-Green Sedge, Large Yellow-Sedge, Gul Star, Gelbe Segge, Gewöhnliche Gelb-Segge, Keltasara, Carex Jaune, Laiche Jaune

Scientific Names: , Carex flava, Carex flava var. alpina, Carex flava subsp. alpina, Carex flava subsp. flava, Carex flavella, Carex flava var. fertilis, Carex flava var. rectirostra, Carex laxior, Carex flava var. gaspensis

GBIF Accepted Name: Carex flava L.