Big-leaf sedge
Carex amplifolia
Last reviewed: September 2026
Big-leaf sedge (Carex amplifolia) is a perennial grass native to CA, ID, MT, NM and 2 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw wind pollinated.
Toxicity unknown
Big-leaf sedge (Carex amplifolia) 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
high
Size
18"–40" H × 18"–30" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, ID, MT, NM and 2 more states
Pollinators
wind pollinated
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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A broad-leaved, clump-forming sedge with wide arching green blades and stiff flowering spikes in late spring. Grows along stream edges and in wet meadows, spreading gradually by rhizomes to form colonies.
Growing Big-leaf sedge
Grow Big-leaf sedge in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 18 to 40 inches tall and spread 18 to 30 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Provides cover and nesting material for wetland birds and small mammals, and seeds are eaten by waterfowl.
Common questions
- How much sun does Big-leaf sedge need?
- Big-leaf sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Big-leaf sedge bloom?
- Big-leaf sedge blooms in May and June.
- Where is Big-leaf sedge native?
- Big-leaf sedge (Carex amplifolia) is native to CA, ID, MT, NM and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Big-leaf sedge attract?
- Big-leaf sedge draws wind pollinated.
Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Big-leaf sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.