Carex shortiana, commonly known as Short’s Sedge, is a deciduous perennial sedge native to moist meadows, wet prairies, and floodplain forests in the Eastern and Central United States, as well as Ontario, Canada. It typically grows to a height and width of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters), forming dense clumps of grass-like foliage. The plant features narrow, arching leaves and inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. While the flowers are not showy, they add a subtle texture to the landscape.

Short’s Sedge is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, bioswales, and as a ground cover in moist, shaded areas. It is also appreciated for its ability to provide habitat and food for wildlife, particularly for birds and small mammals. In cultivation, Short’s Sedge thrives in a range of light conditions, from full sun to full shade, and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium to slow drainage. It is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should be mindful of its spreading habit, which can be managed through division.CC BY-SA 4.0