Native Plant Database

Header Photo: Mervin Wallace

James’ Sedge

Carex jamesii
Plant Type: Grasses / Sedges / Rushes
Native Environment: Forest, Savanna / Woodland
Season of Interest: Early (Feb - Apr), Mid (May - June), Late (July - frost)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color:

USDA PLANTS Range Map

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James' Sedge plants with bright green fine-textured foliage along brick path
Photo: Elliott Duemler/Taylor Creek Restoration Nurseries
Sun Exposure 
Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate
Nature Attracting
Songbirds
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds
Animal
Resistance
Size

Height:

6 to
10
inches

Spread:

10 to
12
inches
Size
Height: 6 to
10
inches
Spread: 10 to
12
inches
Size
Height: 6 to
10
inches
Spread: 10 to
12
inches
Typical Landscape Use
Can be utilized as a tidy ground cover that will grow beneath trees. A possible alternative to the non-native _Liriope spicata_, which its appearance is said to resemble.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Allowed to self-spread by seed, will form a turf-like planting where conditions are favorable. In the late season, foliage is susceptible to rust that may be exacerbated by overhead irrigation.
Special Features
Special Usage
Ground Cover
Basic Description

Fine-textured sedge that forms small and dense dark green clumps with a tidy appearance. Grass-like leaves are taller than the inconspicuous flowering structures. Nearly evergreen, staying green well into winter.

Where Should I Start?

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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?

Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.

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