Eastern Straw Sedge
Carex straminea
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CT, DE, IL, IN and 14 more states
Eastern straw sedge is a clumping native grass that forms neat, upright tufts with narrow green leaves. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by straw-colored seed heads that give the plant its common name.
In an HOA neighborhood
Eastern Straw 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 birds, while its seeds feed songbirds and small mammals. The dense clumps offer shelter for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Eastern Straw Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.