Hair Sedge
Carex capillaris
Last reviewed: June 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hair Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
4"–12" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
CA, CO, ID, ME and 15 more states
Hair sedge is a delicate native grass that forms small, neat clumps with fine-textured foliage. This compact sedge produces subtle flower spikes in summer and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hair 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.
- Extremely small size makes it appear sparse or incomplete
- Fine texture may look weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping expectations
- Limited visual impact for front yard applications
Wildlife value
This sedge provides habitat and nesting material for small birds and supports various native insects. The seeds offer food for songbirds and small mammals in late summer and fall.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hair Sedge need?
- Hair Sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hair Sedge bloom?
- Hair Sedge blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Hair Sedge native?
- Hair Sedge (Carex capillaris) is native to CA, CO, ID, ME and 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Hair Sedge toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hair Sedge as toxic to livestock.
- Is Hair Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Hair 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 Hair 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