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Hairyfruit Sedge

Carex trichocarpa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hairyfruit Sedge (Carex trichocarpa)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Hairyfruit Sedge (Carex trichocarpa) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Hairyfruit Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CT, DE, IA, IL and 17 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsDriftless AreaSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsNorthern PiedmontRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Hairyfruit sedge is a clumping native grass-like perennial that forms neat tufts of arching green foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring and early summer, followed by distinctive hairy seed heads that give the plant its common name.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hairyfruit Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

Wildlife value

This sedge provides seeds for birds and serves as host plant for several butterfly species. The dense clumps offer shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Hairyfruit Sedge need?
Hairyfruit Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Hairyfruit Sedge bloom?
Hairyfruit Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Hairyfruit Sedge native?
Hairyfruit Sedge (Carex trichocarpa) is native to CT, DE, IA, IL and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Hairyfruit Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Hairyfruit Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Hairyfruit Sedge HOA-friendly?
Hairyfruit Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Hairyfruit Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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