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Hairy Sedge

Carex lacustris

Last reviewed: June 2026

Hairy Sedge (Carex lacustris)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, CT, DE, IA and 24 more states

Hairy sedge is a clump-forming native grass that thrives in wet to moist soils and partial sun conditions. This perennial sedge produces inconspicuous flowers from May through July and maintains an upright, fountain-like growth habit throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairy 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.

  • Can appear unkempt and wild to untrained eyes
  • May spread aggressively in optimal conditions
  • Requires consistently wet soil which can look swampy

Wildlife value

While not a major pollinator plant, hairy sedge provides important habitat and nesting material for birds and small wildlife. The seeds are consumed by waterfowl and songbirds, particularly in wetland edge environments.

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 Hairy Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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