Native sedges

If you are looking to add winter interest, evergreen is not the only way to go. Grasses often carry the season, adding texture and color.  For ground cover type feel - or as a replacement for non-native Liriope or Monkey Grass - native sedges are both useful and attractive. Some are semi-evergreen, some evergreen, but pretty much all stay green to an extent during the winter. Some tolerate sun, some prefer more shade. They all generally prefer somewhat moist soils, but are adaptable. They are also not fussy under irrigation. 

Carex perdentata Webberville Sedge

Webberville Sedge (Carex perdentata) makes a great ground cover that under favorable conditions fills in quickly. It is best used a filler or ground cover as it does spread. Narrow leaf blades create soft look. Ideal sun exposure would be part sun to part shade but with enough moisture they can handle full sun. The shadier the spot you plant them, the less water they will need.
Carex cherokeensis Cherokee sedge

Cherokee Sedge (Carex cherokensis) is one of our larger sedge. Medium width blade creates sturdier appearance. Evergreen. It is pretty drought-tolerant once established, and does not spread aggressively.

The photo features a mixture of Cherokee Sedge (Carex cherokeensis) and Woodland Sedge (Carex blanda).  Woodland Sedge is typically a bit more compact than Cherokee Sedge, and works well as a Liriope replacement. 

January 30, 2026 — Anna Hurst
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