As each year passes, I find that I like the ornamental grasses more and more. One group that I am particularly fond of are the sedges or carex. Not true grasses, but actually a form of cypress or of the family cyperaceae, the primary difference lies in the structure of the inflorescence or flower as most sedges have both male and female flowers which are often produced early in the year rather than late.

In comparison to the true grasses or members of the poaceae family, the sedges take a back seat in sheer numbers but are still well represented with 1,500 species. Natives of the temperate and subarctic zones, little else pulls them together in the commonality of foliage, habitats or methods of spreading. A good number of them display a high degree of variegation, a few have brown foliage, and many prefer shade over sun.

Gardeners constantly seek perennials that are ornamental, evergreen, deer resistant and drought tolerant, all qualities you can find in the sedges or carex. One of my favorites, Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' forms a dense crown, growing 16 inches in height, the foliage is cream to white centered, edged in dark green. A native of Honshu Island, Japan, it grows in dry woods and rocky slopes which translates to dry shade. Carex siderstricha hails from the same geographical region and offers a reverse pattern of variegation with a broad green middle and thin white edge. On first seeing this sedge, I thought I might have been looking at a hosta with its oversized, wide foliage. Of particular interest for its bright yellow foliage is Carex elata 'Bowles Golden', a native of swamps and riverbanks all over Europe. This one can be placed directly in water, up to 5" deep.

There are many green leafed carex cultivars. Carex muskingumensis is an elegant garden plant with tapered leaves that radiate from lax stems. The stems and clustered top leaves elevate themselves through summer and eventually grow to 2 feet. Commonly known as the palm sedge, it is named after Muskingum County in Ohio. A native of low woods and wet meadows found all over north and central North America. Great at pond or pool side, offering a quiet charm. In contrast Carex caryophyllea 'The Beatles" produces masses of slender leaves that resemble a dense mop of hair that sits flush with the ground. Gently moving with the slightest breeze, one can imagine how it earned its name (plus it's a native of England). Carex caryophyllea resembles our Carex pensylvanica, a native of New England and the southeast, the foliage is narrower but in its own way, resembles a small clump of fine hair, swirling around. Maybe someone should select one and name it Carex 'Lynyrd Skynrd' or C. 'Tom Petty' (shorter hair).

A little quote circulates amongst gardeners that helps us remember the differences between sedges, rushes and grasses. "Sedges have edges and rushes are round. Grasses are hollow from the node to the ground". If a sedge leaf is cut, a cross section will reveal a triangular shape. When holding a leaf between thumb and forefinger, you can feel the edge.

I'm convinced that a few sedges planted in your garden will lead you to desire more and more. It's Carex Time