Grasses out-compete many weeds and provide structure and support in diverse plantings, fuel for controlled burns and year-round visual interest. An excellent, moderate growing, evergreen turfgrass substitute, reaching just 4 inches x 1.5 feet ( unmowed height ) and spreading but not aggressively by rhizomes. Sanddune Sedge (Carex pansa)Native to California and western North America Carex are the most widely used for lawn replacement, largely because they look like traditional turf but take far less water and maintenance (mowing is optional). Well-known and affordable prairie grasses have striking fall colors and offer winter cover for birds and small mammals. A deep green winter growing sedge which each plant reaches about 18″ across and 10″ or so inches high. Dune vegetation consists of distinct plant communities, pioneer, scrub, and forest zones, that occur along a gradient of increasing distance from the sea and increasing age (Figure 1). It can be kept shorter if mowed four to eight times a year, depending on desired look. Forming 12inch dark green leaves with a rhizomatous habit. Carex (Sedge) species have attractive seed heads through spring and summer. Carex flagellifera is a foot or more in height. Carex morrowii 'Ice Dance'. A grass-like, herbaceous evergreen perennial native to California’s sandy dunes. Golden flowers bloom in the spring and then mature to a tan color. The colonies form and creep to fill a lawn or short meadow. It will tolerate a wide variety of conditions from a wet seep in full sun to a … There is a Carex species to suit almost any garden situation.. Noteworthy CharacteristicsGrass-like, colorful foliage that is often brightly hued or variegated. Carex pansa Sand dune sedge This creeping evergreen sedge is one of the best suited for low water lawns and and turf replacement. This sedge grows in clumps about 6 to 8 inches tall if left unmown. Carex pansa. Depth of roots can vary from 6-8 inches and appear almost woody at first sight. 2. Most species are from wet areas such as bogs or damp woods. Carex spissa (San Diego Sedge) - A large evergreen, clumping sedge that has silver-gray foliage that will reach 3 to 4+ feet tall. Carex is a huge genus of more than 1,500 species of perennials with triangular, grass-like stems and panicles of flowerheads in short spikes. Carex pansa was the most commonly encountered native backdune species at our study sites. Carex pansa ( California Meadow Sedge ) Also called Dune Sedge. $ 8.99 California meadow sedge is native to stream banks, and vernally wet places at the beach from British Columbia south in to Baja. Widely used as a lawn substitute, it demands less attention and maintenance. It is native to western North America ( from British Columbia to California ). It flops over gracefully and has a … ; Tussok sedge (C. stricta) is a sweet little 1- by 2-foot plant with deep green delicate blades.Carex albicans spreads by rhizomes which will quickly fill in a planting bed or lawn area, seamlessly creating a carpet of white tinged foliage. See more ideas about outdoor gardens, ornamental grasses, lawn alternatives. Sturdy underground roots help the plant spread to create a finely textured carpet that is tolerant to light foot traffic. According to the California Native Plant Society, Festuca rubra (red fescue) or Carex pansa (dune sedge) can do well to create a low-water type of lawn. Jun 19, 2018 - Explore Sue Bryce's board "Carex Pansa", followed by 192 people on Pinterest. Banks, and vernally wet places at the beach from British Columbia south to! Deep green winter growing sedge which each plant reaches about 18″ across and or... Seed heads through spring and summer textured carpet that is often brightly hued or.... 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