Mouse-tail sedge
Carex myosuroides · Cyperaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant mouse-tail sedge: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Family
- Cyperaceae (Sedges)
- Foliage
- Evergreen, fine and graceful
- Adult size
- 20 to 40 cm in height
- Growth
- Slow to moderate
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -15°C)
- Origin
- Mountainous and subalpine zones of Europe
- Soil type
- Fresh, well-draining, light to acidic
Care
Exposure
Install the mouse-tail sedge in partial shade or light shade to preserve the fineness of its foliage. It also tolerates direct sun in cool regions, but prefers protection from the hottest hours in warm climates.
Watering
Keep the soil fresh without waterlogging during growth. In summer, water regularly if rainfall is insufficient. Once established, this sedge is fairly economical with water and tolerates moderate dry periods well.
Soil and Planting
Prepare a light, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Enrich it with compost or fine potting soil at planting time. Avoid overly compacted or chalky soils that would limit growth.
Pruning and Cleanup
Remove dead or winter-damaged leaves in spring. Cut back deteriorated foliage to ground level in early spring to encourage new growth. No structural pruning is necessary.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced diluted fertilizer in spring to support growth. On naturally rich soil, this application can be reduced or omitted. Favor light, regular applications over heavy ones.
Disease Resistance and Prevention
This sedge is very resistant to common diseases. The main risks are root asphyxia in case of prolonged waterlogging and occasional aphid attacks on young shoots. Ensure optimal drainage and good air circulation to prevent these problems.
Did you know?
The name 'mouse-tail' evokes the fine texture of its slender, delicate inflorescence that sways gently in the wind. Sedges (Carex) are among the oldest and most diverse plants in cold zones; with more than 2,000 species, they play a major ecological role in stabilizing soils in peatlands and alpine wetlands for millions of years.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
Add this plant to my garden →Plants from the same family
- Blue sedgeCarex panicea
- Spring sedgeCarex caryophyllea
- Pendulous sedgeCarex pendula
- Bird's-foot SedgeCarex ornithopoda
- Gray's sedgeCarex grayi
- Strict sedgeCarex stricta
Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.