Carex gracillima, commonly known as Graceful Sedge or Purple-Sheathed Graceful Sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant that thrives in the understory of deciduous forests, often found in moist to wet conditions along streams, in swamps, and in rich, shady woodlands. It is native to central and eastern Canada and the central and eastern United States. Graceful Sedge typically grows to a height of 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) with a similar spread, forming dense clumps of fine-textured, grass-like foliage. The plant is characterized by its narrow, arching leaves and distinctive purple sheaths at the base of the leaves. It produces inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers in late spring to early summer, which are not particularly showy, but add a subtle texture to the plant’s appearance.

Graceful Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in shady conditions and its preference for moist soils, making it an excellent choice for naturalizing in woodland gardens, rain gardens, and along water features. It is also used as a ground cover or for erosion control on damp slopes. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist soil and can tolerate standing water, making it suitable for planting in areas that are too wet for many other species. It prefers partial to full shade and is relatively low maintenance once established. While not known for significant pest or disease issues, it can suffer from root rot if planted in soil that is too dry.CC BY-SA 4.0