Hairy Umbrella-sedge
Fuirena squarrosa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
6"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 16 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Hairy umbrella-sedge is a native wetland perennial that forms small clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage. It produces clusters of small brown flower heads on slender stems during summer and fall, thriving in consistently moist to wet soils.
In an HOA neighborhood
Hairy Umbrella-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.
- Grass-like appearance may look weedy to untrained eyes
- Brown seed heads can appear messy
- Requires consistently wet conditions uncommon in typical landscaping
Wildlife value
This sedge provides seeds for waterfowl and wetland birds, while its dense growth offers nesting habitat for small birds and shelter for amphibians.
Common questions
- How much sun does Hairy Umbrella-sedge need?
- Hairy Umbrella-sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Hairy Umbrella-sedge bloom?
- Hairy Umbrella-sedge blooms in July, August, and September.
- Where is Hairy Umbrella-sedge native?
- Hairy Umbrella-sedge (Fuirena squarrosa) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 16 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Hairy Umbrella-sedge HOA-friendly?
- Hairy Umbrella-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 Umbrella-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