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Ebony Sedge

Carex ebenea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Ebony Sedge (Carex ebenea)
Photo: Patrick Alexander from Las Cruces, NM / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Ebony Sedge (Carex ebenea) 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

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ebony sedge is a compact ornamental grass with dark green foliage that forms neat clumps. It produces inconspicuous flowers from May through July and thrives in partial sun with moderate water needs.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ebony 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 habitat and nesting material for birds. The seeds may attract small songbirds, though it's not a major pollinator plant.

Common questions

How much sun does Ebony Sedge need?
Ebony Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Ebony Sedge bloom?
Ebony Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Ebony Sedge native?
Ebony Sedge (Carex ebenea) is native to AZ, CO, NM, UT and 1 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Ebony Sedge HOA-friendly?
Ebony 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 Ebony Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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