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Dudley's sedge

Carex densa

Last reviewed: September 2026

Dudley's sedge (Carex densa) is a perennial grass native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.

Dudley's sedge (Carex densa)
Photo: (c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Dudley's sedge (Carex densa) 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

high

Size

12"–30" H × 18"–30" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

wind-pollinated

Before you buy

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Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Dudley's sedge.

A tidy, clump-forming sedge with narrow dark green leaves, native to wet meadows and seasonally flooded ground. Forms dense tussocks with inconspicuous flower spikes in spring.

Growing Dudley's sedge

Grow Dudley's sedge in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 30 inches tall and spread 18 to 30 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Provides cover and nesting material for birds and small wildlife in wet meadow habitat.

Common questions

How much sun does Dudley's sedge need?
Dudley's sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Dudley's sedge bloom?
Dudley's sedge blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Dudley's sedge native?
Dudley's sedge (Carex densa) is native to CA, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Dudley's sedge attract?
Dudley's sedge draws wind-pollinated.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Dudley's sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.