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Frank's Sedge

Carex frankii

Last reviewed: June 2026

Frank's Sedge is a native grass-like perennial found across the eastern and central United States, blooming from May through July in partially sunny to shady wetland areas.

Frank's Sedge (Carex frankii)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA SCS. 1989. Midwest wetland flora: Field office illustrated guide to plant species. Midwest National Technical Center, Lincoln. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Frank's Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, DE, GA and 20 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Chihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central Plains

Frank's sedge is a clumping native grass that forms neat, upright tufts of narrow green leaves. It produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring and early summer, adding texture and movement to garden beds.

Growing Frank's Sedge

Grow Frank's Sedge in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 6 to 18 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Frank's 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 habitat for birds, while its seeds feed various songbirds and small mammals.

Common questions

Where does Frank's Sedge naturally grow?
Carex frankii is native to 25 states across the eastern and central United States, from New York south to Georgia and west to Kansas and New Mexico.
When does Frank's Sedge bloom?
Frank's Sedge produces its inconspicuous flowers from May through July, with the exact timing varying by location and local climate conditions.
What growing conditions does Frank's Sedge prefer?
This sedge thrives in medium to high moisture soils and tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade, making it adaptable to various wetland habitats.
Is Frank's Sedge a true grass?
While Frank's Sedge has a grass-like appearance and growth form, it belongs to the sedge family (Cyperaceae) rather than the true grass family, distinguished by its triangular stems and different flower structure.
Is Frank's Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Frank's Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Frank's Sedge HOA-friendly?
Frank's Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

Ready to grow Frank's Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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