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Henderson's Sedge

Carex hendersonii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Henderson's Sedge (Carex hendersonii)
Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Toxicity unknown

Henderson's Sedge (Carex hendersonii) 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 Henderson's Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, ID, OR, WA

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

Henderson's sedge is a compact, clumping grass-like perennial that forms neat tufts of narrow green foliage. It produces inconspicuous flower spikes in spring and early summer, maintaining an orderly appearance throughout the growing season.

In an HOA neighborhood

Henderson'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.

Wildlife value

This sedge provides habitat and nesting material for small birds and supports various insects with its seeds and foliage.

Common questions

How much sun does Henderson's Sedge need?
Henderson's Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Henderson's Sedge bloom?
Henderson's Sedge blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Henderson's Sedge native?
Henderson's Sedge (Carex hendersonii) is native to CA, ID, OR, WA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Henderson's Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Henderson's Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Henderson's Sedge HOA-friendly?
Henderson'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 Henderson'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