Carex radiata, commonly known as Star Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in moist woodlands, meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, rich, and slightly acidic soils, preferring dappled sunlight to moderate shade.
This plant features narrow, grassy leaves and produces inconspicuous, greenish-brown flower spikes that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, rounded seed heads, which provide food for birds. Star Sedge's dense foliage creates a lovely ground cover and is excellent for stabilizing soil in shady, moist areas.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex radiata is a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to woodland gardens or shaded landscapes, offering ecological benefits, texture, and supporting wildlife.
Carex radiata, commonly known as Star Sedge, is a native perennial sedge found in moist woodlands, meadows, and along streambanks throughout Illinois. It thrives in well-drained, rich, and slightly acidic soils, preferring dappled sunlight to moderate shade.
This plant features narrow, grassy leaves and produces inconspicuous, greenish-brown flower spikes that bloom in late spring to early summer. The flowers are followed by small, rounded seed heads, which provide food for birds. Star Sedge's dense foliage creates a lovely ground cover and is excellent for stabilizing soil in shady, moist areas.
For Illinois native plant enthusiasts, Carex radiata is a beautiful and low-maintenance addition to woodland gardens or shaded landscapes, offering ecological benefits, texture, and supporting wildlife.
Bloom time: late spring
Habitats: moist to mesic deciduous woodlands; edges of shaded seeps; slopes of shaded ravines
Lifespan: perennial
Moisture: moist to mesic
Plant type (height): sedge (up to 1.5 feet)
Requirements: dappled sunlight to moderate shade
Soil: rich loamy soil with abundant organic matter
