Carex swanii aka Swan's Sedge

Carex swanii, or swan's sedge, belongs to the sedge family, Cyperaceae. This perennial grows in temperate parts of North America. Its native range covers eastern Canada and central and eastern states. It extends from Nova Scotia and Ontario south to Arkansas. Northern Alabama and Georgia also fall within its range. It grows in forests with dry to moist ground. In Missouri, it occurs in bottomland woods, swamps, and acid seep margins.

The plant forms loose clumps that spread by rhizomes. It reaches 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 metres] tall. Mature plants can spread to 2 feet [0.61 metres] wide. Its narrow, flat leaves give it a grass-like look. The medium green leaves have hairs on their surfaces. Each leaf can reach 1 foot [0.30 metres] long. They measure about 0.02 feet [0.006 metres] across. These slim blades provide the main garden display. The loose clumps suit planting in groups for their foliage.

Green flowers grow in spikes during May and June. They appear in late spring above the leafy clumps. The flower stems stand upright and have sparse hairs. The blooms play a smaller role than the leaves. Missouri Botanical Garden's garden-use notes describe them as modest rather than showy. Plants can set seed and sow themselves where conditions suit them. This makes the sedge an option for areas left to naturalize.

Grow this sedge in full sun or part shade. It grows best where the soil stays moist. It also tolerates wetter garden soil. Low ground and pond or stream edges offer useful planting sites. Higher sites can work when their soil keeps enough moisture. Use groups where a broad patch of foliage is needed. A single clump can serve as an accent in small gardens. The listed hardiness range is USDA zones 4–8.

This sedge needs little upkeep and is easy to grow. Deer resistance adds to its value in exposed planting sites. Serious insect and disease problems are not reported by Missouri Botanical Garden. Leaf spot, smut, and rust can still occur. The supplied sources give no food or medicinal uses. They also provide no basis for judging safety for people or pets.