Creeping broad-leaved sedge is a sedge with surprisingly wide, almost oval leaves, found in woodlands of East Asia. It isn't native to the US, but a white-edged form is grown here as a groundcover for shade, hardy in USDA zones 4–9.
Appearance
- Growth form
- It spreads by creeping underground stems and forms a low mound of leaves. The leaves die back in winter and return in spring.
- Leaves
- Thin, dull leaves with fine lengthwise wrinkles, nearly oval and much broader than most sedges have. The leaf bases are tinged red.
- Flowers
- Flowering stems reach about 1 ft (30 cm) and carry a few small, spaced-out spikes. The stems look as if they come from the side of the plant, which is very unusual among sedges.
- Fruit
- As the seeds ripen, the flowering stems flop over and the fruit ends up hidden among the leaves near the ground.
Where it lives
- Range
- Native to East Asia, including Japan and Korea. In the US it is known as a garden plant, not a wild one.
- Preferred conditions
- In gardens it does best in partial shade and moist soil.
Growing it
- Care
- The variegated form ('Variegata') is sold as a groundcover for partly shaded, moist spots. It is rated hardy in USDA zones 4–9.
Name and classification
- Varieties and forms
- Garden plants are usually the white-variegated form, often labeled 'Variegata'.
Conservation
- IUCN Red List
- NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed
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