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Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge

Carex scopulorum

Last reviewed: September 2026

Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge (Carex scopulorum)
Photo: (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge (Carex scopulorum) 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 Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

4"–16" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CA, CO, ID, MT 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 459 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral Basin and RangeSouthern RockiesNorth American Deserts

Mountain sedge is a compact native grass that forms neat, low clumps with narrow green foliage. It produces inconspicuous flower spikes in summer and thrives in consistently moist conditions with partial sun.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Holm's Rocky Mountain 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 birds and small wildlife. As a wind-pollinated grass, it doesn't attract showy pollinators but supports the broader ecosystem.

Common questions

How much sun does Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge need?
Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge bloom?
Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge native?
Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge (Carex scopulorum) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 5 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge HOA-friendly?
Holm's Rocky Mountain Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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

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