Carex plantaginea (Plantainleaf Sedge)

Carex plantaginea, also called plantainleaf sedge for its resemblance to plantain weed, is a shade-loving perennial sedge native to rich woodland environments throughout eastern North America. While the species is relatively low growing, this sedge's broad foliage spreads slowly in small clumps to about a foot wide. Somewhat evergreen, wide foliage also makes it an excellent choice to break up areas with lighter colors or thin foliage.

Although individual clumps grow to one or two feet tall, plantainleaf sedge also produces small, upright, brown and yellow flower spikes that bloom in late spring to early summer, rising about a foot from the base of the plant. Its low profile and slow-spreading nature also make it a great choice for naturalizing in woodlands, underplanting among larger shrubs, and for growing in containers.