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Carolina Fimbry

Fimbristylis puberula

Last reviewed: August 2026

Carolina Fimbry (Fimbristylis puberula)
Photo: (c) Jay Horn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jay Horn

Toxicity unknown

Carolina Fimbry (Fimbristylis puberula) 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

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CO and 26 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 452 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

High PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Fimbristylis puberula is a small native sedge that forms compact clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage. It produces small brown flower clusters from summer through early fall and thrives in sunny, dry conditions. This low-maintenance perennial works well as a textural accent in native plantings.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Grass-like appearance may look weedy to untrained eyes
  • Brown flower clusters lack visual appeal
  • Unknown dormant season appearance creates uncertainty

Wildlife value

The flowers attract bees and beetles during the long summer blooming period. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Carolina Fimbry need?
Carolina Fimbry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Carolina Fimbry bloom?
Carolina Fimbry blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Carolina Fimbry native?
Carolina Fimbry (Fimbristylis puberula) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CO and 26 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Carolina Fimbry attract?
Carolina Fimbry draws bees and beetles.
Is Carolina Fimbry HOA-friendly?
Carolina Fimbry 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

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