Carex plantaginea - Seersucker sedge

Morphology/Growth Habits: Carex plantaginea is a very ornamental woodland sedge. Its broad leaves are semi-evergreen and lime green in color. In Spring, some red-purpleish flower spikes rise above the foliage but are short-lived. Seersucker sedge is mainly grown for its broad foliage, which is unique amongst most sedges. Spreads slowly by short rhizomes and occasional seedlings. Once established, it is pest resistant and not tasty to herbivores. 

Height: 0.5-2.5 ft

Light: Part Shade-Full Shade

Moisture: Medium-Wet

Bloom color: Burgundy, white

Bloom time: May

Habitat/Best Environments: Found in moist woodlands. This sedge can tolerate dry and shaded locations, but really thrives in partly shaded moist and fertile woods.

Ecological relationships: Supports some satyrine butterfly larvae. Seeds feed many birds, including turkeys!