Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge
Carex amphibola
Last reviewed: August 2026
Carex amphibola (Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge) is a native grass-like sedge found across eastern and central United States, blooming April through June in partial shade to shaded conditions.
Toxicity unknown
Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge (Carex amphibola) 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 Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 8"–16" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 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.
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Carex amphibola is a native sedge that forms neat, compact clumps of arching green foliage. This adaptable grass-like perennial thrives in partial shade and produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring and early summer.
Growing Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge
Grow Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 8 to 16 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eastern Narrowleaf 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 nesting material and seeds for birds, while its dense clumps offer shelter for small wildlife. The flowers attract small native bees and other tiny beneficial insects.
Common questions
- Where does Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge naturally grow?
- Carex amphibola is native to 27 states across the eastern and central United States, from Massachusetts south to Georgia and west to Kansas and Texas.
- When does Carex amphibola bloom?
- Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge produces its inconspicuous flowers from April through June, typical of most sedge species.
- What growing conditions does this sedge prefer?
- This adaptable sedge tolerates a range of conditions from partial shade to full shade and can handle varying moisture levels from wet to moderately dry soils.
- Is Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge as toxic to livestock.
- Is Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.
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.
Ready to grow Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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