silver sedge Interesting Notes

Carex platyphylla grows with thick powder blue leaves into 1’ large shaggy clumps. The broad blue-tinged leaves are unusual for Carex species and provides a lovely groundcover. To maintain its color and appearance in a garden setting, it is recommended to do an early spring cut back.

Carex platyphylla grows in mesic forests and slopes, usually with high pH bedrock, along the eastern North American mountainous regions. Preferring moist to dry soil sites in sun to part shade, broadleaf sedge can grow in areas with more sun as long as consistent moisture is provided. A cool season grass flowering in early summer, Carex platyphylla is great for deciduous shade.

Like other Carex species, broadleaf sedge is a habitat and forage for many native birds and insects. We find it to spontaneously seed itself along areas around our woodland edge and seed berm, creating a low-growing and easy to maintain groundcover in areas that we battle bramble and annual weeds. It self sows in a non-aggressive manner. 

Carex platyphylla Growing and Maintenance Tips

Grow in shade or part shade in average to dry soil with good drainage. Water well on planting and regularly until established. Trim in late winter.