Berkeley sedge

Berkeley sedge is Carex divulsa, an evergreen sedge that forms dense clumps of narrow, arching green to grey-green leaves. Short greenish-brown flower spikes appear in summer. Its mature size varies among references, so allow the clumps room to fill in gradually. ## Identity and form The [RHS species profile](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/128685/carex-divulsa/details) describes an evergreen tufted sedge with arching foliage and summer flower spikes; it lists broad mature dimensions of 0.5–1 m in both height and spread. [Boething Treeland’s profile](https://www.boethingtreeland.com/plants/carex-tumulicola-divulsa/) uses European Grey Sedge as a common name and reports a smaller 1–2 ft plant, with spring and summer bloom and a clumping, arching habit. These differing estimates explain why spacing should allow for local conditions. The live 0.8 m dimensions fall within the RHS range. ## Siting The RHS lists full sun, partial shade, or full shade and a broad range of soils, including clay, loam, sand, and chalk, with moisture ranging from well-drained to poorly drained. Boething Treeland also describes broad sun-to-shade tolerance, clay tolerance, and drought tolerance once established. This flexibility makes the species useful beneath trees, along paths, and as a low groundcover where its informal outline is welcome. ## Maintenance Remove old or untidy foliage in spring to expose fresh growth. Water new plantings through establishment; established plants tolerate a wider range of moisture conditions.