Same species
1 named cultivar
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
12 inches
Width
15 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Moist
Humidity
Prefers humid conditions
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
North America
Toxicity
Non-toxic
The Story
Plant Bio
Carex flaccosperma, or Blue Wood Sedge, is a clump-forming, grass-like perennial noted for its attractive, broad, blue-green leaves. It produces inconspicuous greenish-white flower spikes in spring. Valued for its distinctive foliage color and texture, this sedge is an excellent groundcover for shady, moist to average woodland gardens. It is semi-evergreen, providing interest in milder climates.
Uses & Benefits:
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or divisions into moist soil in early spring
- Water regularly to keep soil consistently moist
- Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds
- Fertilize with a balanced slow-release fertilizer in spring
- Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall
- Prune back dead foliage in late winter
Pro Tip
Ensure soil remains moist and well-drained for best growth
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
- Mulch to retain soil moisture
- Divide every few years for healthy growth
- Prune dead foliage in late winter
Don't
- Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
- Do not fertilize with high nitrogen in late fall
- Refrain from heavy pruning in midsummer
- Avoid planting in overly dry or compacted soils
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Mulch | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Blue Wood Sedge questions
What zones can Blue Wood Sedge grow in?
Blue Wood Sedge is hardy in USDA Zones 5–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Blue Wood Sedge deer resistant?
Yes — Blue Wood Sedge is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Blue Wood Sedge bloom?
Blue Wood Sedge typically blooms in early spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Blue Wood Sedge need full sun?
Blue Wood Sedge does best in part shade.
More Carex to compare

Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex pensylvanica

Japanese Sedge
Carex morrowii

Everillo Sedge
Carex omegata 'Everillo'

Evergold Japanese Sedge
Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'

Comosa Sedge
Carex comosa

Shortbeak Sedge
Carex brevior
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Blue Wood Sedge with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.

