Black Edge Sedge
Carex nigromarginata
Last reviewed: August 2026

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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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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.
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