How much sun does Black Edge Sedge need?

Black Edge Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Black Edge Sedge bloom?

Black Edge Sedge blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Black Edge Sedge native?

Black Edge Sedge (Carex nigromarginata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Black Edge Sedge HOA-friendly?

Black Edge Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Black Edge Sedge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Carex nigromarginata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Black Edge Sedge (Carex nigromarginata) 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

low

Size

6"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 19 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark Highlands Piedmont Northeastern Highlands Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Eastern Temperate Forests Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Black edge sedge is a compact evergreen sedge that forms neat clumps with dark green leaves edged in black. It produces inconspicuous flowers in spring and maintains its attractive foliage year-round in shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Black Edge 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 seeds for birds and nesting material, while its clumping structure offers shelter for small wildlife in shaded garden areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Black Edge Sedge need?: Black Edge Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Black Edge Sedge bloom?: Black Edge Sedge blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Black Edge Sedge native?: Black Edge Sedge (Carex nigromarginata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Black Edge Sedge HOA-friendly?: Black Edge 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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