Greater Bladder Sedge
Carex intumescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carex intumescens (Greater Bladder Sedge) is a native wetland sedge found across eastern and central United States. This moisture-loving plant blooms from May through July in partially shaded areas.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Greater Bladder Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 30 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Greater bladder sedge is a native wetland grass that forms clumps of arching green foliage. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and produces small, inconspicuous flowers from late spring through summer.
Growing Greater Bladder Sedge
Grow Greater Bladder Sedge in part shade and high 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
Greater Bladder Sedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Has a distinctly wild, wetland appearance
- Seed heads can look unkempt to traditional gardeners
- Associated with swampy areas rather than maintained landscapes
Wildlife value
This sedge provides nesting material and shelter for birds, while its seeds feed waterfowl and songbirds. The dense clumps offer habitat for beneficial insects and small wildlife.
Common questions
- Where does Greater Bladder Sedge naturally grow?
- Carex intumescens is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Florida and west to Texas, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
- When does Greater Bladder Sedge bloom?
- Greater Bladder Sedge typically blooms from May through July, producing small greenish flower spikes characteristic of sedges.
- What growing conditions does Greater Bladder Sedge prefer?
- This sedge thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and tolerates partial sun to full shade conditions, making it well-suited for wetland areas and rain gardens.
- Is Greater Bladder Sedge toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Greater Bladder Sedge as toxic to livestock.
- Is Greater Bladder Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Greater Bladder Sedge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Greater Bladder 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