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Golden Sedge

Carex aurea

Last reviewed: August 2026

Golden Sedge (Carex aurea)
Photo: (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger

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

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

4"–12" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, CT and 24 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 437 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

Puget LowlandMarine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California MountainsNorth American DesertsCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern Glaciated PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Golden sedge is a compact native grass-like plant that forms small, tidy clumps with narrow green leaves. It produces delicate golden-brown flower spikes in late spring and summer, adding subtle texture to garden beds.

In an HOA neighborhood

Golden 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 for birds and seeds for small wildlife. As a native grass, it supports various insects and provides habitat structure in naturalized areas.

Common questions

How much sun does Golden Sedge need?
Golden Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Golden Sedge bloom?
Golden Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Golden Sedge native?
Golden Sedge (Carex aurea) is native to AZ, CA, CO, CT and 24 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Golden Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Golden Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Golden Sedge HOA-friendly?
Golden 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 Golden Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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