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Weed elimination in Pennsylvania Carex meadow #927754

Asked April 07, 2026, 4:05 PM EDT

About three years ago we planted 2000 Pennsylvania Carex (sedge family) plants to create a meadow. This should be the year they start to grow together and start to really cover the area. However, it is terribly over run with weeds this spring. We are looking for a weed killer to try to knock down the weeds in order to give the PA Carex a chance. .. but one that will not harm the Pa Carex. The weeds that have filled in include Hairy Bittercress, chickweed, speedwell, dandelions, annual bluegrass, and other broadleaf spreaders. It is a mess but we really want the PA Cares to thrive. We would be grateful for information on a product that would help eliminate the weeds until the carex can fill in. Thank you!

Anne Arundel County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi, 

Unfortunately, no product will tackle the broadleaf weeds and not harm the Carex at the same time, since it is a sedge and not a grass. Hairy bittercress is going to die off soon as the weather warms so with all the other weeds, it wouldn't be one to focus on. You could try removing the flowerheads from going to seed to help reduce the spread and next year's population. Other than that, you would need to hand-pull or dig up the other weeds if you wanted to remove them. If you can tackle the largest areas, hopefully the Carex will start to outcompete the weeds and fill in the gaps so it can slow its spread. 

Another way to help would be to carefully paint or spray the weeds with a systemic herbicide. You could make a type of shield with a piece of cardboard with a hole cut in it to try to protect the carex. You would have to be careful, though, to prevent any harm to the carex that would delay them further from filling in.

Emily

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