Carex

Has a low, dense growth habit, forming a dense mat of broad, dark-green leaves. Looks a bit unruly while flowering, but in our plantings is proving to be a good ground cover for sun or shade. Prefers moist soil.

A tall sedge with long, pendulous seed spikes. Partial to wet locations, it makes a good waterside plant. Also of value to wildlife, as its seeds are consumed by waterfowl and songbirds.

Semi-evergreen foliage, with star-like seed heads which are interesting in dried arrangements. Tolerant of wet soil and partial shade.

A good producer of seeds which are eaten by many species of birds.

With relatively large leaves radiating from the top of the stem, the foliage of this species gives the impression of palm fronds. The creeping rhizomes of this dense sedge spread slowly and non-invasively to form an effective ground cover. Cultivated for its value as a ground cover, and for its foliage effect. An inhabitant of low woods and wet meadows, palm tree sedge requires consistently moist to wet soil for best growth, and will grow in shallow water. Once established, however, it is drought-tolerant. Yellow bloom spikes appear in May and persist throughout the summer. Named for the Muskingum river in Ohio.

A low sedge with delicate, arching, semi-evergreen leaves. Spreads, in restrained fashion, to form an appealing ground cover. Mixes well with many other types of plants. Does well in full sun, but is also quite tolerant of shade. It is often found in forests (where other grass-like plants are usually lacking).

One of the most common and distinctive of our native wetland plants. Forms a very dense clump of long, slender leaves. The leaves arch outward, creating a symmetrical, fountain like effect. As the plants develop they somehow build vertical-sided columns on which they grow, raising them above their surroundings and further adding to their distinctive appearance.