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Clustered Sedge

Carex glaucescens

Last reviewed: September 2026

Clustered Sedge (Carex glaucescens)
Photo: (c) Ashwin Srinivasan, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ashwin Srinivasan

Toxicity unknown

Clustered Sedge (Carex glaucescens) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Clustered Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

shade

Water

medium

Size

36"–48" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states

Pollinators

butterflies

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 459 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

South Central PlainsPiedmontMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal Plain

Clustered Sedge is a clump-forming native grass that grows 3-4 feet tall in shade gardens. It produces clusters of small flowers in summer and provides graceful texture with its arching foliage. This sedge works well as a backdrop plant or natural screen in shaded areas.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Clustered Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, mid zone.

  • Cut back in late winter

Wildlife value

This sedge supports butterflies during its summer bloom period. The dense clumps also provide nesting habitat and shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Clustered Sedge need?
Clustered Sedge grows best in shade conditions.
When does Clustered Sedge bloom?
Clustered Sedge blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Clustered Sedge native?
Clustered Sedge (Carex glaucescens) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 8 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Clustered Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Clustered Sedge as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Clustered Sedge attract?
Clustered Sedge draws butterflies.
Is Clustered Sedge HOA-friendly?
Clustered Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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