Description
Bicknell’s Sedge (Carex bicknellii), also called Copper-shouldered Oval Sedge, is a laidback native that brings a soft, natural texture to plantings. It typically grows 1–3 feet tall, with fine, grass-like leaves and subtle green flower clusters that blend nicely into prairie or meadow-style landscapes.
It does best in full sun to light shade and prefers mesic to dry conditions, but it’s pretty flexible and can handle a range of soil types, including tougher sites. Like most sedges, it’s a cool-season grower, putting on most of its growth in spring and fall.
This sedge is a solid choice if you’re looking for something low-maintenance that still supports wildlife. It’s generally deer-resistant, while birds and insects make good use of it. Grasshoppers and other insects feed on the foliage, and the seeds are eaten by birds like sparrows, pheasants, and prairie chickens.
Bicknell’s Sedge works well in naturalized plantings, prairies, and open areas where you want a softer, more subtle look. It pairs nicely with other dry to mesic natives like Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium), Purple Prairie Clover (Dalea purpurea), and Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) for a balanced, wildlife-friendly planting.
