Carex pensylvanica

Habitat: It tolerates heavy shade and wet soils, though its ideal location is dry to moist shade.  This plant is a good lawn substitute for shady areas but will not tolerate heavy foot traffic.  It forms an ideal turf alternative in dry shade areas, needing mowing only once or twice a season to maintain a 2" height. It also makes a great underplanting for taller perennials.  It is semi-evergreen, dying back under very cold temperatures. Common in the mountains and piedmont; infrequent in the coastal Plain.

Wildlife value: Supports various Satyr butterfly larvae.