Overview

Carex lasiocarpa is a clump forming, tufted grass in the genus Carex, part of the Cyperaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Carex lasiocarpa grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H7. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds.

About

Carex lasiocarpa is a broadly distributed species of wetland sedge sometimes known as woollyfruit sedge or slender sedge. It is considered a species of Least Concern by the IUCN Red List due to its extensive range (much of North America, Europe, and Asia) with many stable populations. In the garden it prefers full sun and partial shade and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is fully hardy throughout the UK (RHS H7). Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, cottage and informal garden, patio and container plants, rock garden, low maintenance and flower borders and beds. It tolerates soil of any pH, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil in a suitable position. Water during establishment.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Carex lasiocarpa

About the genus

Carex is a vast genus of over 2,000 species of grass-like plants in the family Cyperaceae, commonly known as sedges. Other members of the family Cyperaceae are also called sedges; however, those of genus Carex may be called true sedges. Carex is the most species-rich genus in the family.

Wikipedia contributors, "Carex", CC BY-SA 4.0Carex

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Carex

Sunlight
Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered
UK hardiness
H7

Plant details

Carex lasiocarpa size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Grass
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Foliage
Evergreen
Suggested uses
City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Patio and container plants, Rock garden, Low Maintenance, Flower borders and beds

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Carex lasiocarpa

Propagation
Division in spring
Pest resistance
Generally pest-free
Disease resistance
Generally disease-free

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Carex lasiocarpa?

Carex lasiocarpa prefers full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Carex lasiocarpa need?

Carex lasiocarpa grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.

Is Carex lasiocarpa hardy in the UK?

Carex lasiocarpa has an RHS hardiness rating of H7, meaning it is fully hardy throughout the UK, tolerating temperatures below -20°C.

How do I propagate Carex lasiocarpa?

Division in spring.