Carex albicans (White-Tinged Sedge) Unity Grown

Carex albicans, also called white-tinged sedge, is an attractive, upright, finely-textured, grass-like plant found throughout much of the eastern half of the US. Growing to only 12-18" tall, Carex albicans produces finely textured semi-evergreen to evergreen foliage in spreading clumps that are similar to other dry woodland sedges like Carex pensylvanica, but a bit larger. Spreading slowly over time via roots, white-tinged sedge is tough enough to block weeds and grow in shady conditions, but finely textured and colorful enough to serve as a perfect ornamental selection almost anywhere. In fact, Carex albicans is regarded as a Mt. Cuba Center Top Performer in the Sun/Shade trials, scoring a 4.3 and 4.1 out 5, respectively. These trial garden tests also revealed that Carex albicans makes for an especially good addition to drier woodland areas, with high drought and shade tolerance.

Like many sedges, Carex albicans is unpalatable to deer and rabbits, but is especially tolerant thanks to the sharp edges of its leaves. Its attractive foliage and creamy white and brown flower spikes in late spring also make it an excellent addition to shady spots like woodland gardens or as an underplanting for a larger shrub, as well as in containers and along pathways. Though Carex albicans does not provide much in the way of pollinator appeal, its foliage is a valuable food source and host for a number of different butterfly and moth larvae, and its tolerance of tough soils and dry sites make it an excellent choice for greenery in stubborn woodland areas and slopes.