Brown Sedge
Carex subfusca
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
8"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AZ, CA, ID, NM and 4 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Carex subfusca is a compact sedge that forms neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. This native grass maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season and produces subtle flower spikes in late spring and summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
Brown 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 cover and nesting material for small birds and beneficial insects. The seeds offer food for songbirds and small mammals in late summer and fall.
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 Brown Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.