Long-beaked Sedge

Sprengel’s Sedge
Carex sprengelii

A graceful woodland sedge with arching, bright green leaves and delicate, drooping seed spikes in late spring. Prefers shaded to partially shaded forest floors, stream edges, and moist woodland understories. Known for its low-maintenance growth, erosion control in shaded areas, and ability to add texture and seasonal interest to naturalized plantings.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 1–2 ft
• Spread: Clumping, slowly forming colonies
• Light: Part shade to full shade
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soils; tolerates loam and clay
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Tolerates dry periods once established
• Deer resistant

Ideal for woodland restoration, shaded rain gardens, understory plantings, and naturalized landscapes. Performs well where other grasses struggle in low-light conditions.

Ecological Value

• Provides cover and habitat for small woodland wildlife and insects
• Supports pollinators and beneficial insects
• Stabilizes soils in shaded, moist areas
• Adds vertical structure, texture, and seasonal interest to native plant communities

Larval Host Plant For
Caterpillars of certain native sedge- and grass-feeding moth species.

Companion Species

• White Wood Aster (Eurybia divaricata)
• Wild Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis)
• Virginia Wild Rye (Elymus virginicus)
• Christmas Fern (Polystichum acrostichoides)
• Solomon’s Seal (Polygonatum biflorum)
• Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica)
• Jack-in-the-Pulpit (Arisaema triphyllum)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots