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Hay Sedge

Carex argyrantha

Last reviewed: June 2026

Hay Sedge (Carex argyrantha)
Photo: Zihao Wang / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CT, DE, MA, MD and 13 more states

Hay sedge is a neat, clumping native grass that forms compact tufts of fine-textured foliage. It produces inconspicuous flowers from May through July and maintains a tidy appearance throughout the growing season. This sedge works well as a low-maintenance groundcover or accent plant in partly sunny locations.

In an HOA neighborhood

Hay 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 habitat for beneficial insects. The dense clumps offer nesting material and shelter for small wildlife.

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