Carex brevior, commonly known as Plains Oval Sedge, is a native perennial grass-like plant found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun.
This sedge features narrow, upright leaves that are typically shorter than those of many other sedge species, giving it a more compact form. It produces inconspicuous, greenish-brown flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by seeds that are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. Carex brevior typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet, making it an excellent choice for ground cover or naturalizing smaller areas.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex brevior is a good choice for prairies, meadows, and woodland edges, particularly in areas where a smaller, low-maintenance grass is desired. It provides ecological benefits by supporting wildlife and stabilizing soil with its fibrous root system. Additionally, it is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil conditions and is well-suited for naturalized landscapes and erosion control projects.
Carex brevior, commonly known as Plains Oval Sedge, is a native perennial grass-like plant found in a variety of habitats, including prairies, meadows, and open woodlands throughout Illinois. It thrives in moist, well-drained soils and prefers full sun.
This sedge features narrow, upright leaves that are typically shorter than those of many other sedge species, giving it a more compact form. It produces inconspicuous, greenish-brown flowers in late spring to early summer, followed by seeds that are an important food source for birds and other wildlife. Carex brevior typically grows to a height of 1 to 2 feet, making it an excellent choice for ground cover or naturalizing smaller areas.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex brevior is a good choice for prairies, meadows, and woodland edges, particularly in areas where a smaller, low-maintenance grass is desired. It provides ecological benefits by supporting wildlife and stabilizing soil with its fibrous root system. Additionally, it is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of soil conditions and is well-suited for naturalized landscapes and erosion control projects.
Bloom: summer
Habitats: areas along railroads; black soil prairies; grassy slopes along roadsides; little-grazed pastures; meadows in predominately wooded areas; open upland woodlands; prairie swales; river-bottom prairies; sand prairies; seeps; weedy areas
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to dry-mesic
Plant type (height): sedge (2.5 to 3.25 feet)
Requirements: full sun
Soil: loam; sandy loam
