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Back's Sedge

Carex backii

Last reviewed: September 2026

Back's Sedge (Carex backii)
Photo: (c) Norma Malinowski, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Back's Sedge (Carex backii) 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.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, ME, MI, MN and 10 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

Western Corn Belt PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

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.

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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.

Common questions

How much sun does Back's Sedge need?
Back's Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Back's Sedge bloom?
Back's Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Back's Sedge native?
Back's Sedge (Carex backii) is native to CO, ME, MI, MN and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Back's Sedge HOA-friendly?
Back's 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

Ready to grow Back's Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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