Plants in family cyperaceae
Rhynchospora colorata
Rhynchospora colorata, a member of the sedge family, is native to coastal regions from Virginia to Florida. It grows in savannah and marsh areas, producing white bracts around tiny flowers. This plant prefers moist, boggy sites and is ideal for rain gardens.
Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis 'Baby Tut'
Cyperus alternifolius ssp. flabelliformis 'Baby Tut' is an exotic grass ideal for ponds or pools, thriving in moist soil or standing water. It grows to 2 feet tall and wide, with tall slender reed-like stems, making it suitable for smaller gardens and water features. This plant is an annual in zones 3-8.
Carex 'The Beatles'
Carex 'The Beatles' is a slowly spreading ground cover with a unique appearance reminiscent of 60's mop-top hairstyles. It resembles dwarf mondo grass and is suitable for part sun to light shade areas.
Carex oshimensis 'Evercream'
Carex oshimensis 'Evercream' is a creamy-edged ornamental grass forming a 10-inch tall clump. It thrives in slightly moist, light shade and is drought-tolerant once established.
Carex laxiculmis 'Hobb'
Carex laxiculmis 'Hobb' is an American native sedge with blue foliage, ideal for moist woods habitats. This deer-resistant plant forms an 18-inch wide clump and can be used as a specimen or groundcover, providing evergreen interest in gardens.
Carex flacca ssp. flacca 'Blue Zinger'
Carex flacca ssp. flacca 'Blue Zinger' is a clump-forming sedge with blue-green, grass-like leaves and dainty white seed heads in early summer. It grows 12 to 18 inches tall and wide, thriving in shady, wet areas. This moisture-loving plant is suitable for ponds and water features, and it is deer-resistant and low-maintenance.
Eleocharis exigua
Eleocharis exigua, commonly known as rooted spikerush, is an aquatic or semi-aquatic plant native to the Americas. It grows in wet areas like streams and bogs, forming a mat of tiny green spikes about 3 inches tall. This rhizomatous perennial is suitable as a lawn substitute in wet depressions and is compatible with bog plants like pitcher plants. Its ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it a valuable addition to rain gardens.
Carex digitalis var. digitalis 'Jacksboro'
Carex digitalis var. digitalis 'Jacksboro' is a native plant to the East Coast, found in moist deciduous forests. It forms a 10-inch tall by 2-foot wide evergreen clump and can grow in both acidic and alkaline soils. This plant is similar in appearance to liriope and is well-suited for use as a groundcover.
Carex conica 'Hime'
Carex conica 'Hime' is an evergreen Japanese sedge forming clumps about 10 inches tall and 20 inches wide. It features narrow leaves with green and white stripes and weeping, tan-colored flower spikes. This plant thrives in light shade to part sun and average soil moisture, making it a versatile groundcover.
Carex phyllocephala 'Spark Plug'
Carex phyllocephala 'Spark Plug' is a dwarf version of Carex 'Sparkler', known for its spiral, palm tree-like variegated foliage. It grows to a height of 9 inches and thrives in average to moist soils, making it ideal for woodland gardens.
Carex muskingumensis 'Little Midge'
Carex muskingumensis 'Little Midge' is a miniature ornamental grass known for its compact size and proportionally small leaves. This plant is excellent as a specimen or in mass plantings, particularly in slightly moist sites. It thrives in part sun to shade, making it versatile for various garden settings. As a native plant to the United States, it is well-suited to local climates and conditions. Its small stature and adaptability make it a charming addition to gardens looking for a touch of greenery without overwhelming space.
Carex muskingumensis 'Oehme'
Carex muskingumensis 'Oehme' is a semi-evergreen clump-forming plant known for its yellow-bordered leaves and bronze flower spikes in late spring. This plant thrives in part sun to light shade and is adaptable to a wide range of soil moisture conditions. It is deer-resistant and low maintenance, making it a practical choice for gardens. The plant serves as a host for garden insects and is a popular choice for ground cover and ornamental grasses. Its unique appearance and adaptability make it a versatile addition to any landscape.
Carex 'Catlin'
Carex 'Catlin' is a small evergreen clump-forming plant with very narrow blades and a weeping habit. It is ideal for adding texture and movement to garden beds, thriving in part sun to shade. This ornamental grass is rabbit resistant and suitable for rain gardens, providing year-round interest with its graceful foliage.
Cyperus papyrus 'Prince Tut'
Cyperus papyrus 'Prince Tut' is a small-sized water garden plant known for its green tufted tops and sturdy stems. It grows 2-3 feet tall and wide, thriving in moist to wet soil. Hardy in USDA zones 10-11, this plant can be grown as an annual in cooler climates and is relatively deer resistant.
Carex siderosticta 'Spring Snow'
Carex siderosticta 'Spring Snow' is an Asian groundcover sedge with chartreuse golden leaves bordered by medium green. As the season progresses, older foliage turns green, forming a 1-foot wide mound of 6-inch long leaves. This plant thrives in moist woodland sites and is well-suited for shade gardens. Its vibrant foliage adds a splash of color to any landscape.
Carex pensylvanica 'Straw Hat'
Carex pensylvanica 'Straw Hat' is a native plant ranging from Canada to Arkansas, known for its narrow, fine-textured, semi-evergreen foliage. It flowers in mid-spring on 8-inch tall stalks, and the foliage lays flat by summer, creating a textural carpet. This plant thrives in amended sandy loam with average moisture and is an excellent choice for groundcover in gardens.
Rhynchospora latifolia
Rhynchospora latifolia, also known as White top sedge, is native to coastal regions from Virginia to Florida. It grows in savannah and marsh areas, producing white bracts around tiny flowers and preferring moist, boggy sites.
Carex pensylvanica
Carex pensylvanica is a hardy sedge known for its resilience against deer and rabbits, making it a great choice for shaded or partially shaded areas. It grows to about 6-12 inches in height and width, thriving in medium to dry soils. This low-maintenance plant can spread and colonize, providing year-round greenery in warmer climates. Its flowers are attractive to pollinators, adding ecological value to gardens.
Carex comosa
Carex comosa is a hardy plant in USDA zones 4 to 8, known for its spreading clumps that reach 2-4 feet in height. It features lime-green 'bristles' and fountain-like green leaves, thriving in wet conditions. This deer-resistant plant is disease-free and helps stabilize soil with its fibrous roots, making it a valuable addition to gardens.
Carex oshimensis
Carex oshimensis, commonly known as Japanese sedge, is a non-spreading ground cover with a cultivar 'Evergold' that features a broad yellow stripe down each leaf. It grows to about 20 inches tall and thrives in moist soils with sun or partial shade. This ornamental grass forms a weeping mound of narrow green blades.
Carex morrowii 'Goldband'
Carex morrowii 'Goldband' is an evergreen woodland plant known for its symmetrical clump of deer-resistant foliage. Its leaves are uniquely banded with white and dark green, creating a striking visual effect. This plant grows to about 12 inches in height and spreads up to 24 inches wide, making it an excellent groundcover. It thrives in part sun to shade and is drought-tolerant once established. Originating from Japan, it is also resistant to rabbits and suitable for dry shade gardens.
Carex flacca 'Blue Zinger'
Carex flacca 'Blue Zinger' is an evergreen groundcover native to Europe, known for its narrow, glaucous leaves. It is deer-resistant and adaptable to various garden conditions, preferring moist alkaline soils. Over five years, it forms a 2-foot wide patch and is more clump-forming than its straight species counterpart.
Carex siderosticta var. pilosa 'Shima Nishiki'
A recent introduction from Japan, this deer-resistant groundcover is perfect for moist shady sites. It is low-growing and slowly spreading, with light green leaves edged in gold and occasional yellow stripes, ideal for woodland gardens.
Carex elata 'Aurea'
Carex elata 'Aurea', commonly known as Bowles' Golden Sedge, is distinguished by its bright gold foliage with narrow green margins. This semi-evergreen plant thrives in USDA zones 6 to 8 and is resistant to deer and rabbits. It grows 2-3 feet tall and wide, preferring consistently moist soils and can even be grown in shallow water. It does well in full sun to partial shade and requires well-drained soil.
Carex siderosticta 'Echigo Nishiki'
Carex siderosticta 'Echigo Nishiki' is a rare ornamental grass with white-frosted leaves. It forms a dense patch up to 5 feet wide over 20 years and prefers rich, moist, organic soil. This plant is ideal for adding texture and color to shaded garden areas.