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Hayden's Sedge

Carex haydeniana

Last reviewed: August 2026

Hayden's Sedge (Carex haydeniana)
Photo: Hurd, E.G., N.L. Shaw, J. Mastrogiuseppe, L.C. Smithman, and S. Goodrich. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Hayden's Sedge (Carex haydeniana) 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.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–18" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 5 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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Carex haydeniana is a clumping native sedge that forms neat, compact mounds of narrow green foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring through summer and maintains an attractive form throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

  • May go dormant in extreme drought conditions

Wildlife value

While not a major pollinator plant, this sedge provides habitat structure for beneficial insects and small wildlife. The seeds may attract birds, and the dense foliage offers cover for ground-dwelling creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Hayden's Sedge need?
Hayden's Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Hayden's Sedge bloom?
Hayden's Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Hayden's Sedge native?
Hayden's Sedge (Carex haydeniana) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Hayden's Sedge HOA-friendly?
Hayden's 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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

Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz