Foetid Sedge
Carex vernacula
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Foetid Sedge (Carex vernacula) 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
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
N/A
Native to
CA, CO, ID, OR and 2 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 areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Carex vernacula is a compact native sedge that forms neat, low clumps of fine-textured foliage. This drought-tolerant grass grows in tidy mounds and works well as a groundcover or accent plant in partial sun locations.
In an HOA neighborhood
Foetid 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
Like other native sedges, it provides habitat and nesting material for small wildlife and may support some native insects, though specific pollinator relationships are not well documented.
Common questions
- How much sun does Foetid Sedge need?
- Foetid Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
- Where is Foetid Sedge native?
- Foetid Sedge (Carex vernacula) is native to CA, CO, ID, OR and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Foetid Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Foetid Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Foetid Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz