Cherokee Sedge Plants

Characteristics

• Cherokee sedge is an evergreen, clump-forming plant about 6 to 12 inches tall with an equivalent spread. A relatively slow-growing plant, its thin green leaves are grassy in appearance and arch gracefully. Cherokee sedge flowers from April to June, producing tiny, greenish-white flowers that are followed by pendulous, wheat-like seed stalks maturing in fall. Not attractive to deer or other wildlife, the plant is also relatively resistant to foot traffic and can be used as an alternative to lawn or as a filler plant in garden paths.

Site Selection

• Cherokee sedge does well in any location that gets full sun to partial shade, but can be sensitive to too much sun in areas with hot summers. In these regions, a spot that gets morning sun and light shade in the afternoon is ideal. Unlike many plants, Cherokee sedge is tolerant of spots that tend to stay moist for a period of time and is a good choice for the margins of a stream or pond. This plant can also grow in a container, possibly mixed with other types of plants. When container grown, its pot should not be allowed to stand in water, since this can promote rotting of the plant's roots.

Soil and Fertliizer

• Cherokee sedge tolerates any type of ordinary garden soil, although it does best in organically rich soil that's amended with compost at planting time. It grows well without regular fertilizing, but you can give a new plant a boost by feeding it a few weeks after planting with a slow-release, balanced granular fertilizer such as a 10-10-10 formula. Mix the granules into soil around the base of the plant at a rate of about 1/2 tablespoon per plant, but also check the product label for additional directions.

Other Care

• In cold weather, Cherokee sedge slows its growth and becomes partially dormant, so withhold fertilizer and water less frequently during the winter months. Although the plant is evergreen within its range, its foliage may become dry and unattractive during winter cold. You can cut the plant back to the ground in late fall and it will re-grow new green leaves in spring. Cherokee sedge is not subject to any serious insect or disease problems and is quite trouble-free and easy to grow.