Carex plantaginea – Plantain-leaf-Sedge

Carex plantaginea (Care-ex plant-a-gen-ea)
Plantain-leaf-Sedge

A North American native that is a perfect addition to a shade garden. Carex plantaginea evergreen habit is ideal for gardens that might experience soil erosion. By retaining its foliage during the winter months, it protects the soil from falling rain and its diffuse root system binds the soil together. 

This sedge is a great alternative for ornamental grasses which typically require much more sun than your shade garden will allow. Plantain-leaf-Sedge is an excellent option for a shade garden requiring height and a bold texture. To keep Carex plantaginea looking its best, give the plant and its tattered leaves a good spring cleaning.

Carex plantaginea

Origin:
Carex – From the Latin keiro, meaning to cut, referring to the edges of the leaf blades that are prevalent on sedges.
plantaginea – Latin word meaning plantain.

Family – Cyperaceae
Nativity – North America
Hardiness – USDA Zones 4-8

Description:
Form – Upright herbaceous perennial that can reach a height of 2′. Sometimes it will exhibit a purple-red tint on the basal leaves. Can be utilized to hide unsightly “leggy plants”.
Foliage – Evergreen foliage that is comprised of broad leaves about an inch wide and 12″ long. Light to mid-green foliage has prominent veins. Margins are entire and leaf simple, alternate. 
Flower – Separate male, staminate, and female pistillate spikes.

Carex plantaginea leaf

Culture:
Light – Partial shade
Soil – Moist to average soil, but will tolerate a dry area with enough shade.
Propagation – Clumping habit allows for a division in spring or grows from seed.
Problems – None serious

Utilization – Excellent choice for woodland and shade gardens, borders, containers, and areas that require year-round interest.
Comments – A bold texture plant that can contrast fine textures ferns. Works well combined with Epimedium acuminatum, Helleborus, Hosta, Viola.

♥ Find Carex plantaginea and other Carex species at NorthCreek Nurseries.

 

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in Herbaceous Perennials, Plants
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My personal connection to nature started as a young boy growing up in Poland. I would spend early summer days in the canopy of cherry trees eating cherries, and late nights on my grandparent's działka (allotment) baking potatoes in the hot embers of a fire. I pursued this connection by starting out as a landscaper. My passion for plants grew, and I found myself needing a formal education. I was accepted to Longwood Gardens Professional Horticulture program, and following graduation, I accepted an apprenticeship at Gravetye Manor in England. Following my formal and classical training, I spent a few years working in vegetable gardens, orchards, and historic gardens. I am currently the Assistant Gardens Supervisor at Swarthmore College, where I have the pleasure of working with talented gardeners and unique plants. In my spare time, I provide consultation to private clients, and occasionally find time to bake potatoes in the fire with friends and family.

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