Carex flava

RHS Plant Profile
hedgehog grass

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Other common names

large yellow sedge, marsh hedgehog grass, yellow sedge

Synonyms

Carex patula

Grass Like Herbaceous Perennial

A clump-forming, semi-evergreen perennial with toothed, mid to pale green strap-shaped foliage which prefers a damp, boggy location. Spikes of green to orange-brown flowers with bristly pale yellow to green bracts appear from June to July

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Clay, Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Clay Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness

Hardiness Ratings

All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets

  • H1A: under glass all year (>15C)
  • H1B: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
  • H1C: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
  • H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
  • H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
  • H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
  • H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
  • H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
  • H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Semi evergreen
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Genus
Carex can be deciduous or evergreen, rhizomatous or tufted perennials, with triangular stems bearing linear or strap-shaped leaves and short or long spikes of tiny green or brown flowers
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Prefers moist, poorly-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Grows well at the edge of ponds or streams

Propagation

Propagate by division in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required but dead leaves or flowers can be removed in the spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free