Foothill Sedge

Carex tumulicola

This native sedge, with grass-like foliage, has become a popular component of modern native landscapes due to its manageable size and versatility. Unlike most other native sedges, it is not a wetland plant so it thrives and looks great just about anywhere you plant it. It’s evergreen, drought-tolerant and the mounding foliage provides excellent habitat for arthropods. 

• Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, herbaceous plant
• Size at maturity: 8" tall, 18" wide
• Light requirements: full sun, part sun/part shade
• Moisture requirements: dry to moist soil
• Bloom time: n/a
• Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow
• Wildlife support: foliage provides nesting/refugia habitat for arthropods; seeds are eaten by songbirds; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native moths and butterflies
• Native habitat/range: grows in grasslands, oak savanna, dry slopes, and forest openings, up to 800m, west of the Cascades from northern California to British Columbia. Portland Plant List - yes. 
• Special features & uses: drought tolerant; deer resistant; evergreen

Gardening with Foothill Sedge: Perhaps the best thing about foothill sedge is that it’s one of the least-fussy plants out there when it comes to light exposure all-around soil type; acidity, moisture content, consistency or nutrient density. Plus, its simple grass-like form mixes well with other plants. Plant it under a tree or right out in the open and it will give your perennial gardens and pollinator meadows year-round structure. 

Photo Credit 1: Seven Oaks Native Nursery

Photo Credit 2: © Chloe and Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 3: Karli Del Biondo, Beetles and Bees