Carex glaucescens, commonly known as Southern Waxy Sedge, is a perennial sedge characterized by its blue-grey, waxy appearance of the sheaths and fruits. It is native to wetland habitats such as marshes, swamps, and wet meadows in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains This sedge typically grows in dense clumps and reaches heights of 1-3 feet. The foliage is narrow and grass-like, providing a fine-textured element in the landscape. Southern Waxy Sedge blooms in early summer, producing inconspicuous flowers that give way to distinctive fruits covered in translucent papillae by late summer. The reproductive structure includes a single staminate spikelet at the top, which fertilizes the pistillate spikelets below.

Southern Waxy Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and as a soil stabilizer along waterways. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its role in supporting local wildlife, including providing habitat for waterfowl and other birds. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and consistently moist to wet soils. While generally disease-free, it can become invasive if not managed in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0