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Atlantic Sedge

Carex atlantica

Last reviewed: September 2026

Atlantic Sedge (Carex atlantica)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Atlantic Sedge (Carex atlantica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Atlantic Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

PiedmontEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Carex atlantica is a fine-textured native sedge that forms attractive clumps of slender, arching leaves. This adaptable grass-like perennial thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture and produces inconspicuous flowers from May through July.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Atlantic Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This sedge provides habitat and nesting material for birds and supports various small wildlife species. While not a major pollinator plant, it contributes to the overall ecosystem health of native plant communities.

Common questions

How much sun does Atlantic Sedge need?
Atlantic Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Atlantic Sedge bloom?
Atlantic Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Atlantic Sedge native?
Atlantic Sedge (Carex atlantica) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Atlantic Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Atlantic Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Atlantic Sedge HOA-friendly?
Atlantic Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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