Greater Bladder Sedge
Carex intumescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
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.
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.
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.
Does Greater Bladder Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.