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Wasowski, Sally and Andy
Carex planostachys Kunze
Cedar sedge
Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
USDA Symbol: capl3
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
Ranging from Arkansas and Oklahoma south through Texas and eastern Mexico to Guatemala, Cedar Sedge is named for the plants it most frequently grows among and under: cedars, a.k.a. junipers (Juniperus species). It is one of many plants evolved to grow in the rich, loose, fast-draining soil created by juniper leaf fall. It is also found in deciduous woodland where leaves decompose rapidly and as understory to taller grasses in prairies and meadows. Though lawn-grass short, it is a clumping sedge, not forming a proper sod, so it doesnt really make a solid turf, but it can be combined with other low-growing plants to create a natural-looking herb layer. For central Texas, herb-layer companion plants for the shade would be Cedar Sage (Salvia roemeriana), Missouri Violet (Viola missouriensis), Violet Ruellia (Ruellia nudiflora), Drummonds Ruellia (Ruellia drummondiana), Baby Blue Eyes (Nemophila phacelioides), and Straggler Daisy (Calyptocarpus vialis). It can take occasional mowing and light foot traffic.
Plant Characteristics
Duration: PerennialHabit: Grass/Grass-like
Root Type: Fibrous
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Leaf Arrangement: Alternate
Leaf Complexity: Simple
Leaf Shape: Linear
Leaf Venation: Parallel
Leaf Margin: Entire
Breeding System: Flowers Unisexual , Monoecious
Inflorescence: Spike , Terminal
Size Notes: Normally about 6 inches tall
Leaf: Green
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: Not ApplicableBloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Perianth absent. Bloom time refers to fruiting period for Carex spp.
Distribution
USA: AR , AZ , OK , TXNative Distribution: Oklahoma south to Guatemala
Native Habitat: Prairies, plains, savannahs, meadows, pastures. Mostly in the shade and soil beneath junipers (cedars).
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Water Use: LowLight Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Well-drained loam, clay, caliche, or limestone. Prefers the humus-rich, fast-draining soil under junipers.
Conditions Comments: Generally found in the partial shade of juniper savannah, but also occurs as understory among taller grasses in prairies, where it can get more sun.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: Can be used as an accent plant for shade gardens or in full sun. Can comprise part of the herb layer in regional landscape restorations, particularly under junipers.Interesting Foliage: yes
Propagation
Propagation Material: Root Division , SeedsMr. Smarty Plants says
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From the National Organizations Directory
According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Austin, TX
Brackenridge Field Laboratory - Austin, TX
Patsy Glenn Refuge - Wimberley, TX
NPSOT - Fredericksburg Chapter - Fredericksburg, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
Jacob's Well Natural Area - Wimberley, TX
Bibliography
Bibref 946 - Gardening with Prairie Plants: How to Create Beautiful Native Landscapes (2002) Wasowski, SallyBibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Carex planostachys in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Carex planostachys in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Carex planostachys
Metadata
Record Modified: 2010-11-22Research By: TWC Staff, GDG
