Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Carex

Species:

Carex xerophila

USDA Symbol:

CAXE2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Ground Cover:

Yes

Lawn Substitute:

Yes

Wildlife Benefits

Butterflies & Moths:

★★☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Tolerates occasional fire; resprouts from rhizomes after low-severity burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to dry, rocky environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds benefit from cold, moist stratification for 30-60 days to break dormancy.