Golden Sedge

Golden Sedge
Carex aurea

A compact native sedge valued for its soft green foliage and distinctive golden seed heads that appear in late spring to early summer. As the seeds mature, they develop a warm golden color, giving the plant its common name. This attractive sedge forms neat clumps and thrives in moist soils, often found in wet meadows, fens, stream edges, and low woodland openings.

Golden Sedge spreads slowly and creates a soft, natural texture in moist plantings while providing important habitat in wetland ecosystems.

Growing Conditions

• Height: 8–18 in
• Spread: Clumping, slowly forming small colonies
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Soil: Moist to wet soils; tolerates organic, sandy, and loamy soils
• Hardiness: Zone 3–8
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Tolerates seasonal flooding
• Deer resistant and low maintenance

Ideal for rain gardens, wet meadows, pond edges, fens, and moist woodland plantings. Excellent for stabilizing soils in low-lying areas.

Ecological Value

• Provides cover for insects and small wetland wildlife
• Supports biodiversity in wet meadow and fen ecosystems
• Stabilizes soil in moist and saturated areas
• Adds soft texture and seasonal color to native plant communities

Larval Host Plant For
Caterpillars of several native sedge-feeding moth species.

Companion Species

• Blue Flag Iris (Iris versicolor)
• Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
• Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium maculatum)
• Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)
• Fox Sedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
• Canada Wild Rye (Elymus canadensis)
• Sweetgrass (Hierochloë odorata)

Planting to Protect
Restoring to Thrive
Origin Native Plants

3.5 inch Pots