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Left: Pennsylvania sedge growing.
Left: Pennsylvania sedge growing.
Above: Flowering Pennsylvania sedge, Anne Gould
Above: Flowering Pennsylvania sedge, Anne Gould
Plant Characteristics
Plant Characteristics
Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:
A mixture of dappled sunlight, deep shade, full sun, and partial shade. Preferred soil is high organic matter and sand, with good drainage.
Growth Habit/Description:
In the sedge family, Pennsylvania sedges can withstand heavy shade and wet soil, but prefer dry to moist shade. They grow slowly, but are low-maintenance.
Bloom Season:
Little flowers that can be described as brown, copper, cream, tan, green, and white bloom in spring from April to May.
Fall and/or Winter Interest?
No.
Distribution
Distribution
Habitat: Pennsylvania sedge is in eastern North America, including North Carolina.
Native to Arkansas? Yes
Native to Garland County? Yes
Endemic to Arkansas? No
Ecological Value
Ecological Value
Host Plant for Caterpillars?
Yes. Being a host plant for 36 species, Pennsylvania sedge is important to native moths and butterflies.
Other Known Ecological Value?
Yes. Pennsylvania sedge offers food and habitat for many animals, stabilizes soil, and suppresses weeds.
Other Interesting Facts
Other Interesting Facts
Origin of Name: Association with Pennsylvania
Related Plant Species: Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Tussock sedge (Carex stricta), Wood sedge (Carex blanda), and Broom sedge (Carex scoparia).
Use For Food/Medicine:
It is not used for human consumption or medicine.
References
References
NC State University. Available from: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carex-pensylvanica/common-name/pennsylvania-sedge/
Entry created by Paisley Hillman, September 2025.
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