Clustered field sedge
Carex praegracilis
Clustered field sedge (Carex praegracilis) is a Colorado-native groundcover suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 8 to 18 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun to partial shade. Native sedge, Plant Select's signature lawn-alternative pick. Fine-textured, takes more water than buffalo grass without complaint.
Colorado nativelow to medium water8 to 18 in tall and 12 to 24 in wideXeric / water-wisePlant Select®
Photos
- Photo 1: "Carex praegracilis - Spring in the Mary Wattis Brown Garden of California Native Plants" by UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 2: "Carex praegracilis -clustered field sedge" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Carex praegracilis - Spring in the Mary Wattis Brown Garden of California Native Plants" by UC Davis Arboretum & Public Garden is licensed under CC BY 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/.
- Photo 4: "Carex praegracilis - clustered field sedge - Flickr - Matt Lavin (5)" by Matt Lavin from Bozeman, Montana, USA is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 5: Anthony Valois and the National Park Service
- Photo 6: (c) Patrick Jackson, some rights reserved (CC BY)
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun; tolerates partial shade.
- Soil
- clay, loam
- Soil pH
- 6.0 to 8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 8 to 18 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide
- Growth habit
- Spreading
- Planting spacing
- ~17 to 24 in apart
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Winter cover
- Partial winter cover
What it will do to your yard
- Foot traffic
- Moderate foot traffic
- Lawn alternative
- Mowable lawn alternative
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- shortgrass prairie, foothills
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Not rated
Using Clustered field sedge as a groundcover
Clustered field sedge spreads steadily. It fills in densely, crowding out most weeds. It takes moderate foot traffic, so you can walk on it regularly.
Planting & establishment
Water weekly first summer. Lower water needs than bluegrass; takes light foot traffic; can be mowed.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Clustered field sedge good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Clustered field sedge is a well-suited groundcover for Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Clustered field sedge get?
- It matures to about 8 to 18 in tall and 12 to 24 in wide.
- How far apart do I plant Clustered field sedge?
- Space Clustered field sedge about 17 in apart for a faster, fuller cover, or up to 24 in apart for a looser planting.
- Is Clustered field sedge hardy on the Front Range?
- Clustered field sedge is hardy in USDA 3 to 9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Clustered field sedge need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- Is Clustered field sedge native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Clustered field sedge a Plant Select® winner?
- Yes. Clustered field sedge is in Plant Select®, the plant-recommendation program run by Colorado State University and Denver Botanic Gardens to highlight plants that thrive in the region.
- Can you walk on Clustered field sedge?
- Clustered field sedge takes moderate foot traffic, so you can walk on it regularly.
- Can Clustered field sedge replace a lawn?
- Yes, Clustered field sedge works as a mowable lawn alternative on the Front Range. Expect a season or two of weeding and watering while it fills in before it reads as a lawn replacement.
- Will Clustered field sedge spread or stay put?
- Clustered field sedge is spreading. Give it room to fill in and edit the edges to keep it where you want it.
- Does Clustered field sedge stay green in winter?
- Clustered field sedge keeps partial cover through Front Range winters.
