Cherokee Sedge, Carex cherokeensis

Cherokee Sedge, Carex cherokeensis, is an evergreen native perennial plant that grows

to about 2 ft. tall. It prefers partial shade in moist soil and will tolerate short dry periods. It

can be used for erosion control. Cherokee Sedge will spread slowly with rhizomes, and can

eventually form a colony. Count on it reseeding when conditions are suitable. Carex

cherokeensis performs well during our hot summers. It makes a great edge along sidewalks

and in drifts around ponds. Cherokee sedge provides cover for small animals and nesting

materials for birds. This plant also supports various Satyr butterfly larvae.

Cherokee sedge produces non-showy flowers in the spring, which is followed by beautiful

seed heads. Propagation can be done from seed. Seed should be cold stratified for 30 days

to improve germination. Division of existing plants can be done in early spring.

Sedges are not happy when cut to the ground. It is best to give it a light haircut in early

spring if needed. The snow of 2025 had no impact on my Cherokee sedge.

Benjamin Vogt, the author of Prairie Up, recommends planting grasses and sedges as a “base layer of living green mulch.” Within the base layer, forbs are placed strategically to draw the eye across the landscape. When designing your habitat, consider using sedges and grasses as the foundation. -Louise Prejean

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