Carex scabrata, commonly known as Eastern Rough Sedge, is a perennial sedge native to wet meadows, marsh edges, and seepage slopes in eastern North America, including eastern Canada and the eastern United States, with a particular prevalence in the Appalachian region. It can grow up to 35 inches tall and is characterized by its rough-textured, grass-like leaves. The plant produces inconspicuous brownish-green flowers in late spring to early summer, which are not particularly showy but are important for local ecosystems.

Eastern Rough 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 prefers consistently moist to wet soils rich in organic matter and can tolerate partial shade to full sun exposure. While it is not typically troubled by serious pests or diseases, it can be susceptible to root rot if drainage is poor. This sedge is not known for aggressive roots or invasiveness, making it a reliable choice for controlled naturalistic plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0