Using Texas Sedge in Landscaping: Design Ideas & Creativity

Texas Sedge, or Carex texensis, is a tough, drought-resistant plant native to North America. It's perfect for use as ground cover in semi-shady spots. The plant grows to about 10 inches tall and flops over itself. When you plant large swathes of Texas Sedge, it creates a beautiful texture and pattern. It's ideal for planting under live oak trees, on rocky, bermed areas, or to accent an area with textural, grassy, low-care foliage. This beautiful, multipurpose sedge has bunches of fine-textured leaves. In spring, petite spikelets of tiny yellow flowers emerge through the foliage.

A Hardy Plant

Texas Sedge only requires a little watering or mowing. Plus, it can endure light foot traffic. Many people use steppingstones with it in areas with lots of foot traffic. This plant is excellent for naturalizing and restoring damaged areas. Texas sedge grows wild in savannas and sandy woodlands on the East Coast and the Midwest. It grows well in both dry shades as well as moist soil. This multipurpose sedge can be used as a lawn alternative and is excellent for green roofs, meadows, and prairie plantings.

It grows moderately fast, works best with slow-release fertilizer, and has no significant pests.

Growing Tips

Growing Texas Sedge in well-drained soil for best results and moistening it evenly. Do not overwater. In winter, you can protect it with a cold frame covered with clear poly. Its rhizomes will slowly colonize the area in which it's planted. Once established, it can tolerate drought or lots of suns. Some people control its growth by mowing it at a high setting. Sometimes, people plant Texas sedges when removing turf and not wanting to install landscape beds. The plant grows in clumps and doesn't create a uniform look. It fills in and spreads like traditional lawn grasses tend to do.

A Perennial Herb

A hardy, Perennial Herb, Texas sedge sometimes turn brown in harsh winters. However, you have to shear them back, and they will be vibrant and green once warm weather returns. People often grow Texas sedges where water conservation is recommended.