Grassland sedge is a cool-season herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) native to Europe and Asia. The species epithet is from the Latin divulsus , meaning “torn asunder or separate.” The author did not explain the meaning of the epithet, but it may refer to the widely separated spikes on the inflorescence. Grassland sedge tolerates full sun to partial or full shade and a wide range of soil conditions, from dry to boggy, as well as heat and humidity. It grows in arching clumps, spreading 2 feet wide with bright green leaves and a tidy habit. While it is considered drought-tolerant, it will appear more lush with regular irrigation. Given the right conditions, it will self-seed and naturalize in the landscape. It can be mowed to a height of 2 inches and maintained as a lawn alternative that accepts light foot traffic. This plant provides winter interest and is resistant to damage by deer. It thrives under established trees and does well in that tricky spot in the landscape with dry shade. Plant it as an accent plant, in small groups, or in a sweep along a slope to prevent erosion. It works well in a meadow, rain or rock garden, or any other area of the landscape where a groundcover is needed. Interplanted with wildflowers, it makes a beautiful backdrop to all the color, and it is a plant that supports pollinators and songbirds. 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.
Ground Cover; Herbaceous Perennial; Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
Light
Deep shade (Less than 2 hours to no direct sunlight) | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; Loam (Silt); Sand; Shallow Rocky
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry | Very Dry
Available space
12 inches-3 feet
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (3-15 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Clumping
Leaf color
Green
Leaf type
Sheath; Simple
Leaf arrangement
Alternate
Leaf shape
Filiform; Linear
Leaf size
1-3 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Bright green fine-textured leaves 1/8" wide
Flower color
Brown/Copper; Cream/Tan
Flower form
Insignificant
Flower detail
Flower spikes appear in late spring but are insignificant.
Bloom time
Spring
Fruit color
Brown/Copper
Fruit type
Achene
Fruit detail
Dark brown seed clusters
Stem detail
Triangular stems
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Non-native
Origin
Europe and Asia
Wildlife value
Attracts songbirds and pollinators.
Attracts
Pollinators; Songbirds
Food & Medicine
Fruit type
Achene
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Lawn; Naturalized Area
Landscape theme
Pollinator Garden; Rain Garden; Rock Garden; Winter Garden
Design feature
Accent; Mass Planting; Small groups
Garden tags
#pollinator plant #foot traffic tolerant #erosion control #sedge #lawn alternative #dry shade #mass planting #naturalizes #understory planting #lawn alternative shade #rain garden #deer resistant #wet soils tolerant #rock garden #self-seeding #winter interest #slopes #bird friendly #meadow #accent #small groups