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 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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: June 2026

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 40 more states

Pollinators

beetles, flies

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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 40 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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