Carex texensis

Catlin Sedge

Description

A compact fine-textured low grass that’s mowable, walkable, and short by nature; the Catlin Sedge is a great filler grass in shady gardens. I use it with ferns and other shade-loving plants to make walk-on pathways through taller meadow sedges. It's drought-tolerant and can take tree root competition as well. Carex Texensis combines well with many other grasses and sedges, so it's not surprising that it looks good with other Texas natives like Leersia, Melica, and Mountain Pea.

Our plant came from the late Jack Catlin. It was the plant that changed everything for me. It was probably the first time I really understood that there was a world of grasses out there that I needed to know. I poke in one or two Texas Sedges in every meadow I make to honor Jack.

John's Notes

Carex texensis vs Carex retroflexa

There has long been confusion in the nursery industry about the difference between Carex texensis and Carex retroflexa. At one point, Carex texensis was considered a variety of carex Retroflexa as they are largely indistinguishable.

Today, most nurseries classify their supply as Carex texensis, however, it remains unclear who has the true plant and who is misclassifying their plants.

General Details

Plant Type

Sedge, Cyperaceae

Native Region

Southwestern USA

Seasonality

Cool-season, evergreen

Height

Foliage grows 4-6 inches tall, flowers 2-4 inches above the foliage

Width

4-6 inches

Alternate Names

Texas Sedge, Carex retroflexa Hort.

Aesthetic Form

Landscaping Value

Groundcover, natural lawn, pathways

Foliage

Fine textured medium-green leaves with copper tones after hard freezes

Flower Form

Long lax stems support noticeable green spikelets that dry to a pleasant tan

Bloom Cycle

Summer

Growth Habits

Clumping, spreads slowly via short rhizomes

Plant Pairings

Other grasses and sedges, Texas natives like Leersia, Melica, and Mountain Pea

Care & Maintenance

Watering Needs

Moderate water needs, Drought-tolerant

Soil Preferences

Wide adaptability from sand to clay

Sun Exposure

Full sun to shade

Winter Heartiness

< 0° F, USDA zones 5-9

Desert Adaptability

No Available Information

Costal Adaptability