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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

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 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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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.

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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