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Back's Sedge

Carex backii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Back's Sedge (Carex backii)
Photo: Hurd, E.G., N.L. Shaw, J. Mastrogiuseppe, L.C. Smithman, and S. Goodrich. 1998. Field guide to Intermountain sedges. General Technical Report RMS-GTR-10. USDA Forest Service, RMRS, Ogden. Courtesy of USDA FS RMRS Boise Aquatic Sciences Lab. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, ME, MI, MN and 11 more states

Back's sedge is a compact, clumping native grass that forms neat tufts of narrow green foliage. This well-behaved sedge stays relatively small and produces inconspicuous flowers in late spring through summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Back's 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

While not a major pollinator plant, this sedge provides habitat and nesting material for small wildlife and birds that use the seed heads.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Back's Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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