Carex jamesii, commonly known as James’s sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to mesic hardwood forests, particularly those with rich, moist soils in North America, ranging from Minnesota to New York and south to Oklahoma and South Carolina. It typically forms dense clumps and reaches heights of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 centimeters). James’s sedge has a grass-like appearance with narrow, arching leaves and inconspicuous greenish flowers that are followed by small, brown fruits from early May to mid-July. The fruits are subtended by two to four perigynia, which are enclosed by leaf-like pistillate scales, and seeds are dispersed by ants, a process known as myrmecochory.

James’s sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in shaded garden areas where grass might struggle, making it an excellent ground cover for woodland gardens and shaded borders. It is also used in restoration projects due to its native status and the role it plays in supporting local ecosystems. Carex jamesii prefers consistently moist soil and partial to full shade, making it suitable for planting near water features or in areas with naturalized settings. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to leaf spot diseases in overly wet conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0