Potted plant with a dense tuft of long, arching green leaves spreading outward in bright outdoor light.

Potted ornamental grass with long, slender green leaves spilling over the edge; a white nursery tag is attached to the pot on a concrete surface.

Potted ornamental grass with long, slender green leaves spreading outward in sun.

Dense clumps of ornamental grasses with long, slender green blades growing in a garden bed or nursery setting

Big Leaf Sedge

Bold Textured Foliage
Native Woodland Beauty
Shade Garden Accent

Our Guarantee Customer Reviews

#2 Container

$20.00

61 in stock

Size

Clear

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$20.00

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We guarantee that your plants and trees will arrive happy and healthy. If you’re not satisfied after receiving your trees and plants, we’ll replace them at no cost to you. Trees and plants are living organisms and require care, maintenance, and protection to survive, root in, and establish properly. Trees that do not survive despite receiving the proper care, maintenance, and protection within the first year will be considered for a one-time replacement. If you purchased plants outside of your growing zone recommendation, or have not properly cared for your new plants as described in your welcome letter, your purchase won’t be covered by our Grasshopper guarantee.
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Grasshopper Gardens offers free home delivery to customers in our local service areas. Experience the convenience of having your plants delivered straight to your home, free of charge, saving you time and effort.

Our local delivery area reaches as far north as Schroon Lake, south to Voorheesville, Glenmont, and East Greenbush areas, parts of Fulton and Montgomery counties, much of Washington County, and all areas in between. If you have questions on local delivery, give us a call at

518-793-9623.
In Stock
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Big Leaf Sedge

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Big Leaf Sedge

A distinctive native sedge valued for its broad, textured green foliage, Big Leaf Sedge adds elegant woodland character to shaded landscapes. Its arching leaves, subtle spring flower spikes, and attractive clumping habit provide season-long interest in naturalized and garden settings.

Why choose Big Leaf Sedge?

Big Leaf Sedge stands apart from many sedges because of its unusually wide, pleated leaves that create a bold, hosta-like texture in shaded gardens. This native perennial forms graceful clumps that blend beautifully into woodland plantings, shaded borders, rain gardens, and naturalized landscapes. Its attractive foliage remains the primary ornamental feature throughout the growing season, while spring flowers and seed heads add subtle seasonal interest. The plant’s adaptability to moist, shaded conditions makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking long-lasting texture and low-maintenance beauty.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Carex plantaginea
Common Name: Big Leaf Sedge, Plantain-Leaf Sedge
Plant Type: Herbaceous perennial sedge
Growth Habit: Clump-forming, arching

Big Leaf Sedge Additional Information

Big Leaf Sedge is a native North American woodland perennial admired for its wide, slightly puckered leaves that resemble those of a plantain or small hosta. The foliage forms attractive fountain-like clumps, typically remaining the plant’s strongest ornamental feature from spring through fall. In mid to late spring, slender flowering stems emerge above the leaves with discreet brownish flower spikes that later develop into ornamental seed heads.

This sedge is especially useful in shade gardens, woodland edges, native plantings, rain gardens, and shaded pathways where its lush texture can soften hard edges and complement ferns, woodland phlox, heuchera, and other shade-loving perennials. While primarily grown for foliage, it also contributes ecological value by supporting native insects and providing cover in naturalized habitats. Established clumps require little maintenance beyond occasional cleanup of older foliage in early spring. Its graceful appearance and adaptability make it an excellent choice for creating natural woodland character in residential landscapes.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Choose a partially to fully shaded location with loose, organic-rich soil. Set the crown level with the surrounding grade and space plants 12 to 18 inches apart for grouped or groundcover plantings.

2. Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist while roots become established. Mature plants appreciate consistent moisture, particularly during extended dry weather, but perform best where excess water can drain from the crown.

3. Mulching: Apply a light layer of shredded leaves or fine organic mulch to conserve moisture and recreate woodland soil conditions. Keep heavy mulch from covering the plant’s crown.

4. Pruning: Remove brown or damaged foliage in late winter or early spring before new growth expands. Light hand-trimming is preferable to cutting the entire clump too close to the ground.

Related Resources

FAQs

How large does Big Leaf Sedge grow?
Big Leaf Sedge generally reaches 8 to 12 inches tall and approximately 10 to 18 inches wide. Its spring flower stems may extend above the foliage, and established plants can gradually form colonies.
Does Big Leaf Sedge prefer sun or shade?
It performs best in partial shade to full shade. A site with filtered light, morning sun, or the changing shade beneath deciduous trees provides favorable growing conditions.
Can Big Leaf Sedge be used as a groundcover?
Yes. Its low clumps gradually spread to create a textured native groundcover in shaded, moisture-retentive areas. It is best placed away from routes receiving regular foot traffic.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Lush Foliage
Partial Shade
Watering

Mature Height	Small: Up to 2 ft
Mature Spread	0-5 ft
Growth Rate	Fast, Moderate
Botanical Name	Carex amphibola
Bloom Time	Late Summer
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Cyperaceae
Flower Color	Green
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#2 Container

Map of the United States with all states outlined and filled in dark greenli

Growing Zones 4-8 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -30)

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