Contents
Description
Carex Meadii, commonly known as Mead’s sedge, is a native perennial plant that belongs to the Cyperaceae family. It is a cool-season grass that grows in dense tufts and is commonly found in moist to wet prairies, savannas, and open forests. The plant has narrow leaves that are up to 18 inches long and 1/8 inch wide, and a flowering stem that grows up to 2 feet tall. The flowers are green or brown and appear from May to July.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Cyperales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Carex |
Appearance
Carex Meadii has narrow leaves that grow up to 18 inches long and 1/8 inch wide. The leaves are green in color and have a prominent mid-vein. The flowering stem grows up to 2 feet tall and has brown or green flowers that appear from May to July. The plant forms dense tufts that can grow up to 2 feet in diameter.
Care Guide
Water
Carex Meadii prefers moist to wet soil and requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. However, it is important not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Carex Meadii does not require regular fertilization. However, adding compost or other organic matter to the soil can help improve its fertility.
Soil
Carex Meadii prefers well-drained, loamy soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels but prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil.
Sunlight
Carex Meadii prefers partial to full sun, although it can tolerate some shade.
Hardiness Zones
Carex Meadii grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carex Meadii is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, overwatering can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.
Habitat
Carex Meadii is native to North America and is commonly found in moist to wet prairies, savannas, and open forests. It can also grow in disturbed areas such as roadsides and ditches.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Carex Meadii be grown in containers?
A: Carex Meadii can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate its root system and the soil is kept moist.
Q: Does Carex Meadii require pruning?
A: Carex Meadii does not require regular pruning. However, removing dead or damaged leaves can help improve the plant’s appearance.
Q: Can Carex Meadii be grown in full shade?
A: Carex Meadii prefers partial to full sun, but it can tolerate some shade.
Q: Is Carex Meadii deer-resistant?
A: Carex Meadii is generally not preferred by deer, but it is not considered completely deer-resistant.
Related Plants
- Carex Buchananii
- Carex Grayi
- Carex Hystericina
- Carex Plantaginea
- Carex Stricta
References
- “Carex Meadii.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed on 20 September 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=y420
- “Carex Meadii.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed on 20 September 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CAME3
- “Mead’s Sedge (Carex Meadii).” Illinois Wildflowers. Accessed on 20 September 2021. https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/grasses/plants/meads_sedge.html
