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Droop Sedge

Carex prasina

Last reviewed: August 2026

Droop Sedge (Carex prasina)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Provided by USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute (WSI). / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Droop Sedge (Carex prasina) 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 Droop Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 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 437 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

PiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsDriftless AreaEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Carex prasina is a native sedge that forms graceful clumps of arching green foliage in partially shaded areas. This moisture-loving perennial produces subtle flowers in late spring through summer and provides excellent texture in woodland gardens or rain gardens.

In an HOA neighborhood

Droop Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

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

  • Goes dormant in winter leaving brown foliage

Wildlife value

While not a major pollinator plant, this sedge provides nesting material for birds and shelter for small wildlife. The seeds are eaten by various songbirds and waterfowl.

Common questions

How much sun does Droop Sedge need?
Droop Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Droop Sedge bloom?
Droop Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Droop Sedge native?
Droop Sedge (Carex prasina) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Droop Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Droop Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Droop Sedge HOA-friendly?
Droop 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 Droop Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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