Carex amphibola is a sedge valued for its graceful clumping habit and shade tolerance. With soft arching green blades and a compact growth form, it is ideal for woodland gardens, shady borders, or ground layer plantings in naturalized areas.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 12 - 18 in
Bloom Time: Spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to full shade
Soil Preference: Moist, well drained to seasonally wet soils
Watering Needs: Moderate; prefers consistent moisture
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
This species is native to eastern and central North America, where it occurs naturally in rich woods, floodplains, and streambanks.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Butterflies
- Serves as a host plant for species such as Hobomok Skipper, Tawny Edged Skipper, and Peck’s Skipper.
Birds
- The seeds are eaten by songbirds including sparrows and towhees, and the foliage provides nesting cover and shelter.
Wildlife
- Offers food and shelter for eastern box turtles and other ground dwellers in moist woodland areas.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 12 - 18 in apart to allow for gentle spreading without overcrowding neighboring plants.
Landscape Placement
- Ideal for woodland gardens, underplanting native trees, and along shaded paths or rain gardens. Works well as a ground layer in layered native plantings.
Companion Plants
- Heuchera americana (American Alumroot) - Adds texture and color contrast in part shade with attractive foliage and spring flowers.
- Phlox divaricata (Woodland Phlox) - Offers lavender spring blooms and thrives in the same woodland soil conditions.
- Packera aurea (Golden Groundsel) - Provides bold yellow spring blooms and similar moisture tolerance.
- Arisaema triphyllum (Jack in the Pulpit) - Adds architectural interest and thrives in damp forest soil alongside Carex amphibola.
- Polygonatum biflorum (Solomons Seal) - Provides graceful arching form and seasonal foliage change in shade gardens.