Carex pensylvanica 'Straw Hat'
Carex pensylvanica 'Straw Hat' is a refined native sedge selected for its bright golden foliage that forms a soft flowing mound in shaded landscapes. Its fine textured leaves bring season long color and movement to woodland gardens while requiring very little maintenance once established.
Height & Spread: 12 - 18 in x 18 - 24 in
Bloom Time: Spring
Light Requirements: Part shade to shade
Soil Preference: Average to dry well drained soil
Watering Needs: Low to moderate; drought tolerant once established
Deer Resistance: Deer resistant
Native Status
Carex pensylvanica is native to much of eastern North America where it naturally occurs in open woodlands and dry shaded areas. 'Straw Hat' is a selected form valued for its brighter foliage color while retaining the durability and adaptability of the species.
WILDLIFE & INSECTS
Birds
- Provides cover and nesting material for small birds while contributing protective habitat in woodland and naturalized plantings.
Wildlife
- Offers shelter for beneficial wildlife and helps support healthy woodland ecosystems throughout the growing season.
Spacing & Landscape Use
Spacing Recommendations
- Space 18 - 24 in apart to create a flowing groundcover effect that gradually fills shaded areas.
Landscape Placement
- Excellent for woodland gardens, shaded borders, naturalized areas, and beneath trees where its golden foliage brightens darker spaces and contrasts beautifully with broad leaf perennials.
Companion Plants
- Polygonatum odoratum 'Variegatum' (Variegated Solomon's Seal) - Adds graceful arching stems and bright variegated foliage that complements the golden sedge.
- Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' (Siberian Bugloss) - Provides silvery foliage that creates striking contrast in shaded plantings.
- Athyrium niponicum 'Pictum' (Japanese Painted Fern) - Contributes elegant fern texture and metallic foliage tones.
- Tiarella cordifolia (Foamflower) - Forms a flowering ground layer that blends naturally with the fine textured foliage.
- Heuchera 'Caramel' (Coral Bells) - Offers warm foliage color that harmonizes with the golden tones of 'Straw Hat'.