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Broadwing Sedge

Carex alata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Broadwing Sedge (Carex alata)
Photo: Mason Brock (Masebrock) / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Broadwing Sedge (Carex alata) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 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 445 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

Western Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsPiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Carex alata is a clumping sedge that forms neat, compact mounds of narrow green foliage. It grows in partial sun conditions and produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring to early summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Broadwing 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

As a native sedge, it provides nesting material and habitat for birds and small wildlife. The seeds may attract some songbirds in late summer and fall.

Common questions

How much sun does Broadwing Sedge need?
Broadwing Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Broadwing Sedge bloom?
Broadwing Sedge blooms in May and June.
Where is Broadwing Sedge native?
Broadwing Sedge (Carex alata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Broadwing Sedge HOA-friendly?
Broadwing Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Broadwing Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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