Graceful Sedge (Carex gracillima)
Carex gracillima, commonly known as Graceful Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in moist woodlands, floodplains, and along streambanks in Illinois. It thrives in rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features narrow, arching, grass-like leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, brownish seed heads that provide food for birds and wildlife. Its fibrous root system helps with soil stabilization in moist, shaded environments.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex gracillima is an ideal choice for woodland gardens, shaded landscapes, and naturalized settings, offering texture, ecological benefits, and a low-maintenance ground cover.
Carex gracillima, commonly known as Graceful Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in moist woodlands, floodplains, and along streambanks in Illinois. It thrives in rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features narrow, arching, grass-like leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, brownish seed heads that provide food for birds and wildlife. Its fibrous root system helps with soil stabilization in moist, shaded environments.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex gracillima is an ideal choice for woodland gardens, shaded landscapes, and naturalized settings, offering texture, ecological benefits, and a low-maintenance ground cover.
Carex gracillima, commonly known as Graceful Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in moist woodlands, floodplains, and along streambanks in Illinois. It thrives in rich, well-drained, and slightly acidic soils and prefers partial to full shade.
This plant features narrow, arching, grass-like leaves and produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, brownish seed heads that provide food for birds and wildlife. Its fibrous root system helps with soil stabilization in moist, shaded environments.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex gracillima is an ideal choice for woodland gardens, shaded landscapes, and naturalized settings, offering texture, ecological benefits, and a low-maintenance ground cover.
Bloom: late spring to early summer
Habitats: fields; forests; meadows; swamps; wetland margins
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: wet to moist
Plant type (height): sedge (8 to 36 inches)
Requirements: partial sun to moderate shade
Soil: well-drained