ARE THEY LEAVES OR BLADES? Carex siderosticha variegaeta looks like a leafy ornamental but is in the grass/sedge family. This one came from Heronswood about six years ago. It grows to about 8-10 inches tall and a  spread of about 12-18 inches. It forms a tidy clump, is easily divided and makes a nice ground cover in shade or sun. It goes semi-dormant here over the winter and is quick to green up as winter fades. More information about the these sedges can be found here.