Carex hirsutella, commonly known as Hairy Woodland Sedge, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the understory of deciduous forests, often found in moist to dry woodlands and forest clearings in the Eastern and Central United States and Ontario, Canada. It typically grows to a height and width of approximately 1 foot (0.3 meters), forming dense clumps of fine-textured foliage. The plant features narrow, grass-like leaves that are hairy, giving it a soft texture. The inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers appear in late spring to early summer and are not particularly showy, but they do add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall appearance.

Hairy Woodland Sedge is valued for its adaptability to a range of light conditions, from full sun to part shade, and its ability to tolerate both medium and low water conditions. It thrives in well-drained soils and can be used effectively as a ground cover in woodland gardens, shaded borders, or naturalized areas. This sedge is also appreciated for its ease of maintenance and its contribution to biodiversity, providing habitat for wildlife. While it is not known for aggressive roots or serious disease problems, it can self-seed in optimal conditions, which should be monitored to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0