greater straw sedge
Carex normalis
USDA zones3 to 8
SunHandles full sun or partial sun or full shade
WaterHandles moderate to wet soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Habit
- Grass/grass-like
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer
- Bloom color
- Green
- Foliage color
- Green
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Greater straw sedge (Carex normalis) is a grass for borders, woodland gardens, rain gardens, and naturalized areas. It is hardy to USDA zone 3, or down to -40°F (-40°C). This plant likes full sun to full shade and average to wet soil. It grows 24 to 36 inches tall and wide, and butterflies and birds visit it. It is not a favorite of deer, though hungry deer will eat almost anything. Green blooms appear in spring and again in summer.
Pairs well with Royal fern, Siebold's hosta, Switchgrass, and Invincibelle Ruby smooth hydrangea.
Native range
Central and Northeastern North America.