How much sun does Calingale need?

Calingale grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Calingale bloom?

Calingale blooms in June, July, August, and September.

Where is Calingale native?

Calingale (Cyperus odoratus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Calingale toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Calingale as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Calingale attract?

Calingale draws beetles and flies.

Is Calingale HOA-friendly?

Calingale takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Calingale

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cyperus odoratus

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Calingale (Cyperus odoratus) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Calingale as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states

Pollinators

beetles, flies

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

Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Piedmont Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Coastal Zone Erie Drift Plain Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Southern Florida Coastal Plain Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Calingale is a grass-like sedge that forms compact clumps with narrow green leaves and small brown flower clusters. This annual plant thrives in consistently moist conditions and provides a neat, upright texture during the growing season. It requires regular watering to maintain its appearance through summer and fall.

In an HOA neighborhood

Calingale takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Dies completely each winter as annual
High water needs conflict with xeriscape preferences
Grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weeds

Wildlife value

The small flowers attract beetles and flies during the long blooming period from June through September. As a sedge, it also provides habitat structure for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Calingale need?: Calingale grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Calingale bloom?: Calingale blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Calingale native?: Calingale (Cyperus odoratus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 39 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Calingale toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Calingale as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Calingale attract?: Calingale draws beetles and flies.
Is Calingale HOA-friendly?: Calingale takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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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