Cherokee Sedge

Cherokee Sedge (Carex cherokeensis) is native to the southeastern United States, from Missouri and Texas, east to North Carolina, and south to Florida. It is usually found growing along the edges of woodlands in moist sites. This sedge prefers partial sun to shade and moist to wet soil, but is adaptable to full sun and average garden soils if given some water during dry spells. It slowly spreads by rhizomes, so it is a well-behaved sedge for perennial gardens. Do not cut Sedges down to the ground in winter or early spring, due to their slower growth rate; you can give a light trim in early spring to improve the form. Cherokee Sedge was a top pick in Mt. Cuba’s trial of Carex for the Mid-Atlantic Region, highly recommended for home gardens.

This sedge supports wildlife by providing cover for small animals, nesting material for birds, and is a larval host plant for Appalachian Eyed Brown butterflies, Georgia Satyr butterflies, Dion Skipper butterflies, and Dun's Skipper butterflies.