Carex subfusca, commonly known as Rusty Slender Sedge, is a perennial grass that exhibits evergreen or semi-deciduous characteristics depending on the climate. It is native to moist meadows, riparian zones, and forest understories primarily in the Western United States, including California’s coastal ranges, and is also found in Hawaii. This sedge typically grows to a modest height of 0.4-0.8 feet (0.1-0.2 meters) and spreads about 0.7-1 feet (0.2-0.3 meters), forming dense clumps of narrow, grass-like leaves. The inconspicuous brownish flowers appear in late spring to early summer and are not particularly showy, but they do provide a subtle texture to the plant’s overall appearance.

Rusty Slender Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used for soil stabilization along stream banks and in rain gardens. It is also suitable for naturalistic plantings and as a ground cover in shady gardens. This sedge prefers partial to full shade, although it can tolerate full sun in cooler, moist climates. It requires consistently moist soil with good drainage and can adapt to a range of soil types. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases in some conditions. Rusty Slender Sedge is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest problems, making it a reliable choice for cultivation in appropriate settings.CC BY-SA 4.0