- Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)
- Mature Height 2 - 3 Feet
- Mature Spread 2 - 3 Feet
- Growing Zones 5 - 8
Finding plants to fill wet places in a landscape is often a challenge. The tussock sedge (Carex stricta) is a great candidate in this situation. It prefers wet soil and tolerates wet to dry cycles. The foliage is evergreen, bright green when it emerges, and fine-bladed. Old leaves turn brown and remain on the plant under newer green growth. Spiky brown seed clusters appear in summer and also provide aesthetic interest.
This plant is of no interest to deer but can provide valued habitat for birds, amphibians and insects. As a North American native, it is an excellent choice for nature-friendly landscapes. The ability to form clumps and tolerate a range of light conditions make it a solid choice for a groundcover in moist areas. It works well in swales, around the edges of water features, or in rain gardens.
Tussock Sedge Care
The tussock sedge grows well in full sun to part shade. Place the plant in moist to wet soil. The ideal soil is acidic and mucky, although It can tolerate standing water or intermittent flooding, as well as short periods of drought. Avoid over-fertilizing the sedge. Do not fertilize it or simply give it a single slow-release application once per year in spring at a low rate. It can be grown in containers as long as the container is kept suitably moist.
If you do not prune the tussock sedge, it will form its characteristic tussocks in the landscape, with green leaves growing up and over the clump of older brown foliage. If desired, you can take out the old dead foliage to keep the plant looking tider. It also tolerates an annual fall or early spring cut-back.
Tussock Sedge Spacing
The tussock sedge grows two to three feet tall with a similar spread. Space plants about two feet apart. Under optimal conditions, expect this plant to spread and form colonies.
Tussock Sedge Grass Information
USDA Hardiness Zones: 5 - 8 |
Plant Type: |
Light Exposure: Partial Shade to Partial Sun (3 - 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight) |
Mature Height: 2 - 3 Feet |
Mature Spread: 2 - 3 Feet |
Spacing: 2 - 3 Feet |
Habit: Mounded, Spreading |
Flower Color(s): None |
Flower Description: |
Bloom Period: |
Foliage Type: Evergreen |
Foliage Color(s): Green |
Foliage Description: |
Seasonal Interest: Summer Flowering |
Watering: Average |
Resists: Deer |
Tolerates: Drought |
Attracts: Birds, Butterflies |
Container Role: |
Uses: Groundcovers, Mass Planting, Wildlife Gardens |
Features: Attracts Pollinators, Foliage Interest, Low Maintenance, Native to North America |
Brand: |
Common Name: Tussock Sedge Grass |
Other Name(s): |
Scientific Name: CAREX STRICTA |
- SKU:
- 1231014074-pc
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.

Quart Pot
Also Known As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts

2.5 Quart
Also Known As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts

#1 Pot
Also Known As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts

#2 Pot
Also Known As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons

#3 Pot
Also Known As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons

#5 Pot
Also Known As:
#5 Container
5 Gallon
Plant Age:
~3-4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 20" - 60"
Pot Size:
~11" H x 10 1/2” W
Volume:
3.5 - 4 gallons

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Pre-Ordered Plants
Pre-ordered plants are scheduled to ship in Spring 2025. We carefully plan our shipping dates based on your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone to ensure optimal planting conditions upon arrival. Want it sooner/later? Reach out, and we'll try our best to accommodate.
Estimated Spring Shipping Schedule
Estimated ship week for pre-ordered plants will ship based on growing zones as shown below.
Growing Zone | Estimated Ship Week |
---|---|
Zone 10 | March 24th |
Zone 9 | March 31st |
Zone 8 | April 7th |
Zone 7 | April 14th |
Zone 6b | April 21st |
Zone 6a | April 28th |
Zone 5b | May 5th |
Zone 5a | May 12th |
Zone 4 | May 19th |
Zone 3 | May 26th |
Note: These are only estimated ship dates. Plants may ship out later depending on weather & growing conditions of the plant.
Note: Only plants indicated as pre-order will ship as shown above. All other plants and hard goods will ship as normal.
Plants Shipping Now
Plants that are currently in stock typically ship within 2-7 business days after your order is placed.