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.

Big-leaf sedge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

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

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains North American Deserts

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.

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