This clumping perennial sedge has delicate, wispy leaves that retain their appeal into December. The leaves may grow 12 to 16 inches long, but they arch and swirl to the ground, keeping the height of the plant to about 8 inches. The fine-textured foliage resembles that of C. pensylvanica, but C. appalachica's leaves form a tidy clump that spreads gradually to form colonies. The sedge thrives in average to dry soils with part or full shade, which makes it an attractive water-wise option for dry, shady areas under trees. However, it adapts to most soils as long as they are not overly moist or water logged. 
 
The native range of Appalachian sedge spans eastern North America from Canada south to the southern Appalachian Mountains. The Mt. Cuba Center notes that it's often found on well-drained slopes with other woodland plants, where it contributes to soil stabilization and increased biodiversity by providing cover and food for wildlife. When planted among larger plants in the domestic landscape, it acts as a “living mulch” that shades the soils and suppresses weeds (read more about living mulch at https://edgeofthewoodsnursery.com/living-mulch-part-one-an-ecological-alternative-to-wood-mulch). NatureServe Explorer lists Appalachian sedge as “vulnerable” in Ohio.
 
Native habitats include well-drained slopes, deciduous and mixed forests, clearings, and rock outcrops. Use in containers, rocks, or stumps; along walkways; in shady, dry meadows or woodlands; as a groundcover; or in shaded rock gardens. It may serve as a turf substitute in areas with little foot traffic.
 
Plant Characteristics:
Grows 6-8" tall (leaves are 12-16" long) and 8-20" wide.
 
Prefers part or full shade. Doesn’t tolerate full sun.
 
Prefers well-drained, average to dry soils that are sandy or rocky but tolerates most soils except for poorly drained.
 
Insignificant flowers appear April-May.
 
Deep green leaves are less than 1/8" wide.
 
Wildlife Value:
Host plant for skipper and satyr caterpillars. Provides seeds for birds and turtles and nectar for insects. Deer may browse the foliage.
 
Resources:
Mt. Cuba Center: https://mtcubacenter.org/trials/carex-for-the-mid-atlantic-region/carex-appalachica-appalachian-sedge/
 
Native Plant Trust: https://plantfinder.nativeplanttrust.org/plant/Carex-appalachica
 
NatureServe Explorer: https://explorer.natureserve.org/Taxon/ELEMENT_GLOBAL.2.145590/Carex_appalachica