Sun or partial shade. Nearly evergreen, with a glossy, tousled appearance and a plush texture underfoot. Native sedges superficially resemble turfgrass, but outperform them in dry shade.
A fairly recent introduction to the local landscape trade, sedge has generated interest as a native and drought-hardy turf substitute. Varieties include Texas sedge, which may grow up to 10 inches; and “turf sedge,” a shorter meadow sedge collected in Webberville, near Austin. Many local landscapers obtain plugs from Austin nurseries.
Planted as a plugs, sedge naturalizes easily.
Can be mowed — on a high setting no lower than 4 inches — to refresh foliage or to crop in spring. It’s also easy enough to cut with scissors where needed. Don’t confuse these native sedges with purple nutgrass, which isn’t closely related.
