Eastern Narrowleaf Sedge
Carex amphibola
Last reviewed: August 2026
Carex amphibola is a clump forming sedge grass that thrives in part shade with medium soil moisture, blooming from April through June across the eastern and central United States.
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
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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
- How much light does Carex amphibola need?
- This sedge does best in part shade, though it can tolerate dappled sun to fuller shade beneath trees or along woodland edges.
- When does Carex amphibola bloom?
- It produces its inconspicuous flower spikes from April through June.
- What soil moisture does Carex amphibola prefer?
- It grows best in medium moisture soil but can handle brief dry spells once established, especially in shadier spots.
- Is Carex amphibola evergreen?
- Its foliage is semi-evergreen, often staying green through mild winters and dying back in colder climates.
- 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.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
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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