Carex Oreocharis
Contents
Description
Carex Oreocharis, also known as mountain sedge, is a perennial plant native to China. It belongs to the Cyperaceae family and is a popular ornamental grass used in landscaping. The plant has narrow, green leaves that form dense clumps and delicate, arching stems that produce small, brown flowers from late spring to early summer.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Monocotyledonae |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Carex |
Appearance
Carex Oreocharis grows up to 12 inches tall and 18 inches wide. Its narrow leaves are about 1/8 inch wide and can reach up to 12 inches long. They are slightly curled and have a glossy, dark green color. The plant’s stems are thin and wiry, with a reddish-brown color. The flowers are small and brownish, appearing in clusters along the stem in late spring to early summer.
Care Guide
Carex Oreocharis is a relatively low-maintenance plant that thrives in moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. Here are some tips for caring for your mountain sedge:- Water: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply once a week, or more often during hot, dry weather.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring.- Soil: Plant in well-draining, humus-rich soil with a pH between 5.5 and 7.0.- Sunlight: Carex Oreocharis prefers partial to full shade, but can tolerate some morning sun.- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in USDA zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
Carex Oreocharis is generally pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, make sure the soil is well-draining and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Carex Oreocharis is native to China, where it grows in mountainous regions and along stream banks. It thrives in moist, shady areas with well-draining soil. It is also commonly used in landscaping as a groundcover or border plant.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Carex Oreocharis tolerate drought?
A: No, this plant prefers consistently moist soil and will not thrive in drought conditions.
Q: Is Carex Oreocharis deer-resistant?
A: Yes, this plant is generally deer-resistant due to its tough, wiry leaves.
Q: Can Carex Oreocharis be grown in containers?
A: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as the soil is kept consistently moist and it is not exposed to hot, direct sunlight.
Q: How often should I fertilize Carex Oreocharis?
A: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Carex Oreocharis:- Carex albula (White Sedge)- Carex comans (New Zealand Hair Sedge)- Carex elata (Tufted Sedge)- Carex flacca (Glaucous Sedge)- Carex muskingumensis (Palm Sedge)
References
– “Carex Oreocharis.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=h530- “Carex Oreocharis.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/15142/carex-oreocharis/details
