Carex rosea (Rosy Sedge)

Carex rosea, also simply called rosy sedge, is an attractive, finely-textured, perennial found in woodland environments throughout the northeast and mid-Atlantic -- including, on the Eastern Shore. Growing to only around 12" tall, Carex rosea produces finely textured bright green, grassy foliage in spreading clumps. Tolerant of partial and deep shade conditions, with a shaggy, flopping appeareance, rosy sedge serves as an excellent ornamental selection almost anywhere with medium-moist to medium-dry soil, but especially in stubborn spots where true grasses won't grow. Though not ranked as a Top Performer in the Mt. Cuba Center trial gardens, rosy sedge received a 3.8 rating out of 5 for its mowability in shade locations, meaning it makes for an excellent lawn substitute underneath trees and in forested areas.

Like many sedges, Carex rosea is unpalatable to deer and rabbits, meaning it has good tolerance to damage from both animals, and is also semi-tolerant to foot traffic, adding to its value as a lawn substitute. Beyond its use in lawns, its attractive foliage and unique, star-shaped flower clusters in early summer also make it an excellent showy addition to woodland gardens or as an underplanting for a larger shrub, as well as in containers and along pathways. Though Carex rosea 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 including the Appalachian Brown (Satyrodes appalachia) and the Broad-winged Skipper (Poanes viator), and its ecological and ornamental appeal in the home landscape should not go underappreciated.