Carex woodii (Wood's Sedge)

Carex woodii, also simply called Wood's sedge or pretty sedge, is an attractive, finely-textured, semi-evergreen perennial found in woodland environments throughout the northeast and mid-Atlantic. Growing to only 6-18" tall, Carex woodii produces finely textured blue-green foliage in spreading clumps that are much denser than other similar-looking sedges. Spreading via thick underground rhizomes, Wood's 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 woodii is so adaptable that it was awarded a 4.7 out of 5 for its performance in shade gardens, and a 4.4 out of 5 for its performance in full-sun locations in Mt. Cuba Center's Carex trial gardens, where it won the title of Top Performer. These trial garden tests also revealed what an excellent choice Wood's sedge is as a lawn replacement, scoring a 4.9 out of 5 in both sun and shade conditions for its response to being mown.

Like many sedges, Carex woodii is unpalatable to deer and rabbits, meaning it has good tolerance to damage from both animals, as well as good tolerance to foot traffic. Its attractive foliage and creamy yellow 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 appalachica 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).