Carex cherokeensis aka Cherokee Sedge

Carex cherokeensis, or Cherokee sedge, is a perennial in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It comes from the central and southeastern United States. Its range reaches from North Carolina south to Florida and west to Texas. In the wild, it grows on moist woodland edges. Gardeners grow it mainly for its fine leaves and clumped form. Its foliage stays evergreen or partly evergreen.

Garden plants reach about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 1–2.5 feet [0.3–0.76 metres]. Missouri Botanical Garden describes shorter clumps, just 0.5–1 foot [0.15–0.3 metres] tall. Rhizomes expand the clumps slowly. The deep green leaves arch outward and have a glossy surface. Each blade can reach 1.3 feet [0.4 metres] long. The narrow leaves have parallel veins and smooth margins. The green stems bend easily and lack hairs.

Small greenish to greenish-white flowers appear in spring. Missouri Botanical Garden lists flowering from April to June. Drooping pistillate spikes turn brown as they age. The seedheads look like small heads of wheat. Their green early stages appear in spring and early summer. Missouri Botanical Garden places mature seed spikes in autumn. The fruit is an achene. These hanging heads add a different shape above the leaves.

Partial shade and moist soil suit this sedge well. It also grows in full sun with enough water. Water during dry spells when growing it in average garden soil. It accepts clay, loam and sand across a broad pH range. Plants tolerate wet ground, brief flooding and heat. Sources place it in USDA hardiness zones 6–9. Care needs are low, and growth is slow. Divide clumps or sow seed to make more plants. In spring, remove dead leaves by hand rather than cutting plants to ground level.

Use Cherokee sedge along paths or near the front of borders. It also fits small gardens, woodland beds and rain gardens. Groups can cover ground, replace lawn or help limit erosion. Moist hollows, pond edges and stream banks offer other planting sites. Its leaves shelter small animals, including toads. Birds use the plant for nest material, and satyr larvae feed on it. Deer tend to leave it alone. Both horticultural sources report no major pest or disease concerns. The supplied evidence does not establish edibility or toxicity.