Carex leavenworthii (Leavenworth's sedge)

Leavenworth's sedge has quickly become a favorite at Adkins! This sedge is prominently planted as a groundcover in our Parking Lot Alive! gardens and has held its own against the harsh weather extremes of a parking lot. Leavenworth's sedge is a clumping, perennial, semi-evergreen sedge that is found naturally in shady dry woods, but can tolerate full sun to full shade. While it prefers dry to moist soils, it can tolerate drought and is considered to be deer resistant. It grows into mounds about 6-12 inches tall and wide and when planted densely can be considered a good lawn alternative or groundcover.

Leavenworth's sedge is native to parts of the eastern U.S., from Florida to southern New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. It is found in dry grasslands, roadsides, open forests and forest edges. 

Photo by Kathy Thornton (taken in February)