Bottle Sedge
Carex rostrata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
12"–40" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
ME, MI, MN, MT and 4 more states
Bottle sedge is a clumping wetland grass that forms dense tufts of narrow green leaves. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and produces distinctive bottle-shaped seed heads in summer. This sedge is best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or other water-retention areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Bottle Sedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that are unusual in typical landscapes
- Can appear unkempt and weedy to those unfamiliar with native sedges
- May spread aggressively in ideal wet conditions
Wildlife value
The dense clumps provide nesting habitat and cover for waterfowl and small birds. Seeds are eaten by various songbirds and waterfowl.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Bottle Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.