The Story
Plant Bio
Carex lanceolata, known as Silk Tassel, is a perennial sedge featuring fine, grass-like foliage and distinctive, drooping flower spikes that resemble tassels, adding a soft texture to garden arrangements.
This cultivar is celebrated for its silky, elegant flower plumes that provide a refined aesthetic and its excellent tolerance for both sun and shade, making it versatile for various garden settings.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Grass
Height
12 inches
Width
8 inches
Light
Partial Sun, Shade
Zones
5, 6, 7, 8
Water
Moderate, drought tolerant once established
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
East Asia
Toxicity
Non-toxic to humans and pets
Bloom period
Spring – Late fall
In flower about 8 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck seeds or division into well-prepared soil
- Keep soil moist until established
- Mist cuttings if propagating from divisions
- Plant in partial shade for best color
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture
- Monitor for pests and water regularly
Pro Tip
Prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during dry periods 💧
- Mulch to conserve moisture
- Divide every few years to maintain vigor
Don't
- Avoid overwatering in winter ❌
- Don’t plant in full sun if soil is dry
- Refrain from heavy fertilization
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Silk Tassel Carex questions
What zones can Silk Tassel Carex grow in?
Silk Tassel Carex is hardy in USDA Zones 5–8. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Silk Tassel Carex deer resistant?
Yes — Silk Tassel Carex is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Silk Tassel Carex bloom?
Silk Tassel Carex typically blooms in spring through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Silk Tassel Carex need full sun?
Silk Tassel Carex does best in part shade.
More Carex to compare
Pennsylvania Sedge
Carex pensylvanica
Everillo Sedge
Carex omegata 'Everillo'
Japanese Sedge
Carex morrowii
Evergold Japanese Sedge
Carex oshimensis 'Evergold'
Shortbeak Sedge
Carex brevior
Comosa Sedge
Carex comosa
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Silk Tassel Carex 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.