Summary
Carex radiata is a small fine-textured sedge native to eastern and central North America where it is found in woodland settings, especially in wetter locations. The tidy clumps look especially nice in the spring, when the flowering stems resemble fiber optic wire. After flowering, the stems lay down, causing the plant to look untidy unless those stems are cut back. The appearance improves over the summer as the new growth appears. This species performed best in shade. The clumps tend to develop a hollow center, so lifting and division would be required to keep a full plant. Carex radiata could be useful in rain gardens or underplanting perennials, and it performed reasonably well in the mowing trial so could be a lawn substitute. This sedge is very similar to Carex rosea, and these species are likely mixed up in the trade.
Details
- Rating
3.9/3.6 (Shade/Sun) - Common Name
eastern star sedge - Size
11” x 30” - Growth habit
clumping - Texture
fine - Winter foliage
semi-evergreen - Mowing rating
4.0/3.8 (shade/sun)