Grass Sedge
Carex jamesii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, IA, IL and 21 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 432 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
Grass sedge is a low-growing native sedge that forms small, tidy clumps with narrow, grass-like leaves. It blooms inconspicuously in spring with small clusters of flowers and thrives in partial shade with average moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
Grass Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant in winter leaving bare spots
Wildlife value
This sedge provides habitat and food for various insects and small wildlife, though it is not a major pollinator plant due to its wind-pollinated flowers.
Common questions
- How much sun does Grass Sedge need?
- Grass Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Grass Sedge bloom?
- Grass Sedge blooms in April and May.
- Where is Grass Sedge native?
- Grass Sedge (Carex jamesii) is native to AL, AR, IA, IL and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Grass Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Grass 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 Grass 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