How much sun does Dewey Sedge need?

Dewey Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Dewey Sedge bloom?

Dewey Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Dewey Sedge native?

Dewey Sedge (Carex deweyana) is native to CO, CT, IA, IL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Dewey Sedge toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Dewey Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Is Dewey Sedge HOA-friendly?

Dewey Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Dewey Sedge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Carex deweyana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Dewey Sedge (Carex deweyana) 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 Dewey Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CO, CT, IA, IL and 17 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 445 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

Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Great Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Ridge and Valley Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Dewey sedge is a clumping native grass that forms tidy mounds of narrow green foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring and early summer, preferring partially shaded locations with consistent moisture.

In an HOA neighborhood

Dewey 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 cover and nesting material for small birds and ground-dwelling wildlife. The seeds offer food for songbirds and small mammals in late summer.

Common questions

How much sun does Dewey Sedge need?: Dewey Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Dewey Sedge bloom?: Dewey Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Dewey Sedge native?: Dewey Sedge (Carex deweyana) is native to CO, CT, IA, IL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Dewey Sedge toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Dewey Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Dewey Sedge HOA-friendly?: Dewey 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 Dewey Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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