Carex woodii, commonly known as Pretty Sedge, is a deciduous perennial grass native to the understory of deciduous forests, often found in moist, shaded areas in the Northeastern USA and Southeastern Canada. It typically grows to a height of 1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters) and can spread to a width of 3 feet (0.9 meters). This sedge is characterized by its fine-textured, arching foliage and reddish-purple tinged leaf sheathes. It is distinctive among sedges for its early flowering and fruiting period, which occurs in late spring to early summer.

Pretty Sedge is valued for its ability to form loose clumps and eventually large vegetative colonies, making it an excellent ground cover for shady areas. It is often used in woodland gardens, naturalized areas, and as a filler in shaded borders. While it prefers consistently moist soils, it is relatively adaptable and can tolerate drier conditions once established. Gardeners appreciate its low maintenance requirements and its contribution to biodiversity, as it provides habitat for wildlife. It is important to note that Pretty Sedge can spread vigorously, so it should be planted where it has room to naturalize or where its spread can be controlled.CC BY-SA 4.0