Woodrush Flatsedge: A Non-Native Sedge for Wet Gardens
Meet woodrush flatsedge (Cyperus entrerianus), a perennial sedge that’s made itself at home in the southeastern United States. While this grass-like plant isn’t a native species, it’s become a naturalized resident in wetland areas across several states. If you’re considering this sedge for your garden, here’s what you need to know about its characteristics, growing requirements, and whether it might be right for your landscape.
What is Woodrush Flatsedge?
Woodrush flatsedge belongs to the sedge family (Cyperaceae), making it a grass-like plant with narrow leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers. This perennial species originally hails from South America but has established populations throughout the southeastern United States. You might also see it listed under the synonyms Cyperus luzulae or Scirpus luzulae in older botanical references.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, woodrush flatsedge can be found growing wild in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Puerto Rico. It’s classified as a non-native species that reproduces on its own and persists without human intervention in these areas.
Growing Conditions and Habitat Preferences
This sedge has a strong preference for wet environments. It’s classified as Facultative Wetland across multiple regions, including:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont
- Great Plains
- Midwest
This wetland designation means woodrush flatsedge usually grows in wetlands but can occasionally survive in drier conditions. It thrives in moist to wet soils and can tolerate periodic flooding, making it suitable for rain gardens, pond margins, and other consistently moist areas of your landscape.
Garden Uses and Landscape Role
Woodrush flatsedge works best in specialized garden settings where wet conditions are either naturally present or intentionally maintained. Consider it for:
- Rain gardens and bioswales
- Pond or water feature edges
- Bog gardens
- Naturalized wetland areas
- Low-maintenance ground cover in consistently moist spots
The plant provides a fine-textured, grass-like appearance that can soften harder landscape elements while helping with erosion control in wet areas.
Should You Plant It?
While woodrush flatsedge isn’t considered invasive or problematic, it’s worth remembering that it’s not native to North America. If you’re focused on supporting local ecosystems and wildlife, you might want to consider native alternatives that provide similar benefits with greater ecological value.
Some excellent native sedge alternatives include:
- Fox sedge (Carex vulpinoidea)
- Fringed sedge (Carex crinita)
- Pennsylvania sedge (Carex pensylvanica)
- Wool grass (Scirpus cyperinus)
These native options will provide similar aesthetic appeal while offering better support for local wildlife and pollinators.
Growing Tips
If you decide to grow woodrush flatsedge, it’s generally low-maintenance once established. Here are some basic care guidelines:
- Plant in consistently moist to wet soil
- Provide full sun to partial shade
- Ensure good drainage to prevent stagnant water
- Little to no fertilization needed
- Tolerates periodic flooding
- Cut back in late winter if desired for tidier appearance
Wildlife and Pollinator Value
Like most sedges, woodrush flatsedge is wind-pollinated rather than insect-pollinated, so it provides limited direct benefits to pollinators. However, it can offer some habitat value in wetland settings, providing cover and nesting materials for small wildlife species.
The Bottom Line
Woodrush flatsedge can be a functional addition to wet garden areas, but it’s not a standout performer compared to native alternatives. If you’re specifically looking for sedges to populate a rain garden or wet area, consider starting with native species that will provide greater ecological benefits while meeting your landscaping needs. However, if you already have this sedge growing naturally on your property, it’s perfectly fine to leave it be as part of your naturalized landscape.
