15 Native Sedges That Outcompete Invasive Weeds

Weeds spread with seeds, roots, and rooting stems. They’re unruly! They employ every strategy possible to dominate open landscapes. To battle weeds, you’ll want to use tough plants, like sedges, that can outcompete them. 

Sedges are grass-like plants in the genus Carex. Many species are native to North America, though the genus has a global distribution. Native sedges are ideal substitutes for grasses and weeds because they thrive without extra care. 

You won’t have to worry about daily watering, weekly mowing, and regular maintenance when it comes to growing native sedges. Simply care for them in their first year, then let them thrive for years to come! Use them en masse as a lawn substitute, or put them in every empty pocket of your yard. Replace ugly weeds with lush sedges!

Blue Sedge

	botanical name Carex glaucescens
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 2-5’
	hardiness zones 7-9

Blue sedge grows wild throughout the southern U.S. in wet, shady sites. It’s a perfect weed replacement in moist areas with seasonal flooding. Use it in swales, rain gardens, and around ponds. 

Like most sedges, blue sedge sprouts hanging blossoms that sprout off tall flowering stems. They’re full of pollen, and they morph into spikes full of tiny fruits with seeds inside.

Blue sedge clumps will spread slowly as they age. They’ll grow wider, and their seeds will sow new seedlings away from the original plant. You may trim them to maintain their shape and remove dead fluff, though they generally do not need mowing or maintenance. 

Blue Wood Sedge

	botanical name Carex flaccosperma
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6-12”
	hardiness zones 5-8

Not all sedges are made equal! Some, like the blue wood sedge, are exceptional in garden landscapes. This species outcompetes invasive weeds and uses its lush foliage to prevent them from thriving. Simply plant blue wood sedges en masse throughout the site, then let them flourish year-round.

Unlike the previous species, blue wood sedges prefer well-drained soil with average moisture levels throughout the year. Avoid planting them in soggy sites with standing water, and give them partial or full shade for the best growing results. 

This species doesn’t need mowing to look its best. Trim it as necessary to remove dead or diseased foliage. It’s not the best lawn substitute; however, it’s an exceptional perennial for borders, beds, and pollinator gardens. 

Cedar Sedge

	botanical name Carex planostachys
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 3-6”
	hardiness zones 6-10

Cedar sedges are so aptly named because they tend to grow beneath cedars, or junipers, in the southern U.S. They thrive in the loose leaf litter that junipers create over time. They’ll tolerate droughts, high heat, and occasional mowing.

This low-growing species is an excellent grass replacement for lawns, though it doesn’t fill the space as effectively as other sedges. Plant many of them to fill empty spots, or use them as a part of a mix with other spreading sedges, grasses, and herbs. 

Creeping Sedge

	botanical name Carex laxiculmis
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 6-12”
	hardiness zones 5-9

Creeping sedges use their rooting tendencies to outcompete invasive weeds. They form vast groupings that create stunning and lush displays in the landscape. Featuring wide leaves, they’re perfect in open borders and edges where they form a captivating foreground for your other plants.

Use creeping sedge in moist, shady sites where it has some room to roam. It’ll outcompete the weeds with little effort on your part. Simply plant a few seedlings and water them well while they establish themselves.

This is one of the most alluring species for the home garden. It has arching leaves in dense mounds, and they feature blue-green hues that shine in dappled light. 

Eastern Woodland Sedge

	botanical name Carex blanda
	sun requirements Full sun to full shade
	height 1-2’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Eastern woodland sedge is more tolerant of harsh conditions than the others on this list. It thrives in sun or shade and grows well in excess moisture or dry soil. Its wide range of tolerable conditions makes it a perfect choice in difficult gardens with poor soils.

The more sun your sedges receive, the more water they’ll need. Regulate the water levels to match the sun exposure. If there is more shade, cut back watering to match the exposure. 

The eastern woodland species works well beneath trees, tall shrubs, and perennials. Use it wherever other plants struggle, and let it spread to help it outcompete the invasive weeds in your garden. 

Gray’s Sedge

	botanical name Carex grayi
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3’
	hardiness zones 5-9

Gray’s sedge is a wet-loving species that’ll outcompete weeds like pennyroyal, creeping Jenny, and crabgrass. Its medium stature and bushy habit lend themselves well to snuffing out invasive plants. 

The seed heads of this species are wonderfully ornamental. They feature spikey, round nutlets that drop seeds in late summer and fall. Some may stay on the plants throughout the winter for all-season interest. 

A good container specimen, you can plant this sedge in large pots with other perennials to prevent weeds from growing. Collect their seeds to sow more, or divide them in early spring when new growth starts to appear. 

Leavenworth’s Sedge

	botanical name Carex leavenworthii
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 1-2’
	hardiness zones 6-9

This thin-bladed variety hails from the eastern, southern, and northern parts of the U.S., as well as regions of Canada. It’s a lovely native species with exceptional qualities. Plant it for its dark green leaves and yellow-white blooms that fill the garden in May. 

Leavenworth’s sedge replaces grasses in lawns, as it works well to outcompete lawn weeds. It’s also ideal in shaded woods, forests, and at the edge of woodlands. 

When replacing a lawn with Leavenworth’s sedges, you’ll be surprised to find you don’t need to mow them! They’ll stay low and compact without cutting. If they do grow unruly with tall flowering stems, consider mowing the site once a year to keep them looking their best. 

Native Sedge

	botanical name Carex vernacula
	sun requirements Partial shade
	height 12-16”
	hardiness zones 5-7

Native sedge is one of many native sedges! It receives this common name because it originates in the western U.S. Find it growing in California, Oregon, Nevada, and nearby states. 

Native sedge, Carex vernacula, prefers moist conditions in its range. Plant it next to streams, in wet meadows, or in areas that receive regular rainfall. 

This species has ornamental interest with its fluffy brown seed heads. Let them dance in the wind from summer through fall, and leave them to stand in winter to decorate the garden. 

Palm Sedge

	botanical name Carex muskingumensis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-3’
	hardiness zones 4-9

Palm sedge excels in well-drained, moist gardens. It outcompetes weeds like other grasses, non-native sedges, and invasive weeds. It receives its name because of its palm-like fronds that grow up and arch over as they mature. 

This is one of the wet-loving sedges that needs consistent moisture to thrive. It’ll tolerate standing water, though it can also grow away from it. Water your palm sedges regularly if they’re not sitting in water.

Because they need consistent moisture, these grass-like plants are ideal in areas with natural rains or snowfall, and in gardens near water features. Consider drought-tolerant species like foothill or Pennsylvania sedges if your yard lacks regular moisture. 

Pennsylvania Sedge

	botanical name Carex pensylvanica
	sun requirements Full sun to full shade
	height 1-12”
	hardiness zones 3-8

Pennsylvania sedge is the perfect substitute for lawn grasses! It stays low, requires little mowing, and grows well in the shade. It’s more drought-tolerant than others, allowing it to outcompete invasive weeds with ease. 

You may need to mow this species; however, you don’t have to! Mow it once or twice a year to maintain a regular height, or let the plants grow wild to create a natural landscape. Avoid walking on the plants—they don’t tolerate regular foot traffic like lawn grasses do.

Pennsylvania sedges use underground runners, widening clumps, and seeds to grow new plants. You can find them available at nurseries, online, and from specialty lawn retailers. 

Plantain-Leaf Sedge

	botanical name Carex plantaginea
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 0.5-3’
	hardiness zones 3-8

Plantain-leaf sedge resembles weedy plantain species! Instead of letting non-native plantain weeds rule, use native sedges to knock them to the curb. With a tall stature, arching fronds, and early-blooming blossoms, it’s a knockout in the home garden.

Most sedges look alike, though this type stands out from the rest. It’s an ideal substitute for Japanese forest grasses, with its wide, ribbed leaves and clumping habit. Grow it next to your other perennials, forbs, and grasses to make a natural-style planting at home.

Rosy Sedge

	botanical name Carex rosea
	sun requirements Partial to full shade
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 3-9

Rosy sedges are charming perennials in shady gardens. They thrive in dense shade and with more moisture than grasses typically permit. Plant them in wet sites under evergreen trees, or woodland areas with both deciduous and evergreen trees. 

Rosy sedges receive their name because their seeds have a rose-colored tint. Plant them as standalone specimens between other perennials, or cultivate them en masse for a stunning backyard backdrop. 

Sand Sedge

	botanical name Carex perdentata
	sun requirements Full sun
	height 1-3’
	hardiness zones 6-8

Native to Texas and Nebraska, sand sedges are drought-tolerant specimens that thrive where other species suffer. They grow well with infrequent watering and full sun, and they don’t need regular moisture like the other wet-loving Carex species. 

Although sand sedges tolerate drought-like conditions, they also grow well in soggy and moist sites. Give them well-draining soil and they’ll thrive for years to come. 

Aside from having graceful perennials to look at, you’ll want to plant Carex species like this one to help out local wildlife. Amphibians hide in the foliage, while mammals, birds, and rodents eat the seeds when they’re hungry. 

Slough Sedge

	botanical name Carex obnupta
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 2-5’
	hardiness zones 6-9

Slough sedge is my favorite! I’m biased because it grows wild around me in the Pacific Northwest. This western native plant excels in dry or wet sites; I find it growing alongside rivers, in meadows, and next to lakes.

This wild perennial excels in the garden. It’s tough, hardy nature allows it to outcompete unruly weeds with ease. You’ll notice new clumps popping up away from the original plant each year. Let them thrive, and they’ll form dense swaths full of arching, evergreen leaves.

Texas Sedge

	botanical name Carex texensis
	sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
	height 1’
	hardiness zones 5-9

Texas sedge is native to, you guessed it, Texas! It also roams wild in nearby states like Georgia, California, and Pennsylvania. It features needle-like leaves that sprout from sheathed clumps. This native plant prefers well-drained soil, and it tolerates dry to moist sites within its range.