Birdfoot sedge is an herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) native to Korea and Japan. The species epithet is Latin for “conical” and refers to the shape of the utricle, the structure that encloses the ovary and, later, the achene. Plant in full sun to partial shade in rich, amended, moist, well-draining soil. This tufted evergreen has deep, rich glossy green foliage with white edges and grows slowly to a height of 18 inches and a clumping width of 2 feet. The flowers are insignificant; this plant is grown for its interesting, showy leaves. If the leaf tips of this evergreen turn brown, they may be trimmed back. If the clumps get too large, divide in the early spring. For the best results, be sure there is a generous amount of plant material in each division. This easy-to-grow sedge can be mass planted and used as a groundcover or the front of a border or as an edging plant along a walkway. Plant in a container, mass plant along a slope or use in a rock garden. This sedge is a larval host plant to butterflies, so it is a welcome addition to a pollinator garden, and it is moderately resistant to browsing by deer. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. More information on Carex .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.