Calingale
Cyperus odoratus
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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 Calingale fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.