Hairy Sedge
Carex lacustris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carex lacustris (Hairy Sedge) is a native wetland grass found across much of the eastern and central United States. This moisture-loving sedge blooms from May through July in wet soils and shallow water.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hairy Sedge as toxic to livestock.
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.
Growing Hairy Sedge
Grow Hairy Sedge in part sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 36 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
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.
Common questions
- Where does Carex lacustris naturally grow?
- Hairy Sedge is native to 31 states across the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Montana and south to Alabama.
- When does Hairy Sedge bloom?
- Carex lacustris blooms from May through July, producing inconspicuous flowers typical of sedges.
- What growing conditions does Carex lacustris prefer?
- This sedge thrives in consistently wet to marshy soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions.
- How can I identify Hairy Sedge?
- Carex lacustris forms clumps of grass-like foliage and gets its common name from the hairy appearance of its leaf sheaths and stems.
- Is Hairy Sedge toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hairy Sedge as toxic to livestock.
- Is Hairy Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Hairy 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 Hairy 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