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Dryspike Sedge

Carex siccata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Dryspike Sedge (Carex siccata)
Photo: (c) Quinten Wiegersma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Quinten Wiegersma

Toxicity unknown

Dryspike Sedge (Carex siccata) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CO, CT, ID and 19 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 437 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

Northwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMadrean ArchipelagoEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Carex siccata is a hardy native sedge that forms compact clumps of narrow, upright foliage. This drought-tolerant grass thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping. It produces small flower spikes in late spring and early summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dryspike 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 nesting material and cover for small birds and beneficial insects. The seeds are eaten by various songbirds, and the dense foliage offers shelter for ground-dwelling creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Dryspike Sedge need?
Dryspike Sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Dryspike Sedge bloom?
Dryspike Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Dryspike Sedge native?
Dryspike Sedge (Carex siccata) is native to AZ, CO, CT, ID and 19 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Dryspike Sedge HOA-friendly?
Dryspike Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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