California meadow sedge is native to stream banks, and vernally wet places at the beach from British Columbia south in to Baja. A deep green winter growing sedge which each plant reaches about 18″ across and 10″ or so inches high. It flops over gracefully and has a very uniform appearance through the year with light irrigation. This is a winter growing plant that resumes growing and greens up with winter rains. In very cold weather (below 20ºF) it can take on russet tints. A FANTASTIC LAWN SUBSTITUTE where it has been used extensively for that application in California. We should use it here too. Plant on 1′ centers for a lawn (faux lawn) cover from one gallons and water regularly through the first season. No water plantings can go summer dormant but in wetter environs this can be avoided and it will remain green and verdant. Water once a week in summer to remain green. Fantastic ground cover, slope cover as it will out compete weeds and form a uniform cover. Tolerates clay soils well, but some amending will reap rewards with a faster growing plant. Tolerates mowing very well. Oregon native plant.
Carex pansa
Family: Cyperaceae Genus: Carex
Plant type: Grass or Grass-like, Herbaceous perennial
Biomes/Growing conditions: Deer Resistance, Dry Shade, Hot Aspects, Low Water/No Water, Mesic, Oregon Coast, Western Native
Sun exposure: Full Sun, Part Shade
USDA Hardiness zone: Zn7b 10º to 5ºF
Foliage color: Dark Green
Foliage season: Evergreen