Plant Preference/Growing Conditions:

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.

Growth Habit/Description:

Pennsylvania sedge grows to 6-12 in. high, with brown seed clusters on the top of the stem.

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.

Host Plant for Caterpillars?

Yes.  Being a host plant for 36 species, Pennsylvania sedge is important to native moths and butterflies. A few, for example, are the Dion skipper, Appalachian skipper, and the Brown Satyr.

Other Known Ecological Value?

Yes. Pennsylvania sedge offers food and habitat for many animals, stabilizes soil, and suppresses weeds.

Origin of Name:  The Latin species epithet pensylvanica means "of Pennsylvania," and is the location where the plant was first collected and described.

Related Plant Species:   The sedge genus consists of over 700 species, including fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea), Tussock sedge (Carex stricta), Wood sedge (Carex blanda), and Broom sedge (Carex scoparia).  Most are aquatic but can grow elsewhere given sufficient moisture.

Use For Food/Medicine:

While not commonly used for food or medicine, the tubers and seeds of most sedges are edible. 

NC State University.  Available from: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/carex-pensylvanica/common-name/pennsylvania-sedge/

Native Plant Trust, Carex pensylvanica, Available from: https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=cape6

Entry created by Paisley Hillman, September 2025.