Bristleleaf sedge
Carex eburnea

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

Carex eburnea is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. The flowers are pollinated by Wind, Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Commonly occurs in conifer or mixed forests crevices of limestone bluffs in the Ozark, US. It is also known to grow in drier sandy soils, particularly on limestone outcroppings and glades.

Eastern and central North America

Conservation Status: Not Listed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Ground cover. An attractive first-rate ground cover. Shade and drought tolerant. Good for forest gardens, Rock gardens and shade gardens. An effective accent for smaller gardens. Lawn Alternative.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Ground Cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

A North American native low maintenance sedge. Prefers a sandy or gravelly soil with a neutral to alkaline pH. Prefers a medium moisture, well-drained soil but will tolerate dry conditions. Very tough tolerating heat and drought. It handles dry conditions best when planted in shade. Light: Sun: Part shade to full shade. USDA Hardiness Zone: 2 to 8. Bloom Time: April. Tolerate: Deer, Heavy Shade. Plants spread slowly by rhizomes. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is suckering with new plants from runners away from the plant .

Propagating it: Propagate by seed, or clump division in early spring. Can be cut back regularly during its growing season.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 2-8

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Ivory sedge, Ebony sedge, Bristleleaf, Bristle-leaved sedge.

Synonyms

C. alba Dewey [Illegitimate]. C. alba var. setifolia Dewey. C. setifolia (Dewey) Britton & A.Br. [Illegitimate].