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Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge

Carex oederi

Last reviewed: September 2026

Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge (Carex oederi)
Photo: (c) zebedeugalinha, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge (Carex oederi) 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

part sun

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, CT, ID and 22 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

Coast RangePuget LowlandNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauRidge and ValleyAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Carex oederi is a small native sedge that forms compact clumps with fine, grass-like foliage. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in partial sun with moderate moisture and produces inconspicuous flowers from May through July. Its neat, contained growth habit makes it suitable for edging or groundcover in naturalized areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This sedge supports native bees and beetles during its extended bloom period. The dense clumps also provide shelter for small beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge need?
Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge bloom?
Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge native?
Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge (Carex oederi) is native to CA, CO, CT, ID and 22 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge attract?
Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge draws bees and beetles.
Is Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge HOA-friendly?
Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-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

Ready to grow Common & Small-Fruited Yellow-Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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