Carex molesta, commonly known as Troublesome Sedge, is a semi-deciduous perennial sedge native to moist meadows, open woodlands, and grasslands in Central and Eastern USA, as well as Ontario and Quebec. It forms dense clumps of stems that can reach up to 1 meter tall, with narrow, grass-like leaves that are typically about 35 centimeters (14 inches) long. The inflorescence is a distinctive open cluster of green, spherical spikes, each measuring 0.5 to 1.5 centimeters (0.20 to 0.59 inches) long, appearing in late spring to early summer. The flowers are not particularly showy but add a fine texture to the landscape.

Troublesome Sedge is valued for its ability to form dense ground cover and its adaptability to a range of soil conditions, making it useful for erosion control and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in rain gardens, as a border plant, or in mass plantings for textural contrast. This sedge prefers consistently moist soils but can tolerate periods of dryness once established. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires soils with medium to fast drainage. While generally low-maintenance, it can become invasive in some conditions, spreading by rhizomes and self-seeding, so care should be taken to manage its spread in garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0