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Longstalk Sedge

Carex pedunculata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Longstalk Sedge (Carex pedunculata)
Photo: no rights reserved, uploaded by Reuven Martin

Toxicity unknown

Longstalk Sedge (Carex pedunculata) 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

6"–18" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, CT, DE, GA and 22 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 445 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

Western Corn Belt PlainsGreat PlainsNorthern ForestsNorthern 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 PiedmontBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Longstalk sedge is a low-growing native grass that forms neat clumps in shaded areas. It produces delicate flowers in spring and early summer, creating a refined groundcover appearance. This sedge works well as an alternative to traditional lawn grass in areas with partial shade.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

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

Wildlife value

This sedge provides seeds for birds and nesting material for small wildlife. As a native grass, it supports various insects and creates habitat for ground-dwelling creatures.

Common questions

How much sun does Longstalk Sedge need?
Longstalk Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Longstalk Sedge bloom?
Longstalk Sedge blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Longstalk Sedge native?
Longstalk Sedge (Carex pedunculata) is native to AL, CT, DE, GA and 22 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Longstalk Sedge HOA-friendly?
Longstalk 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.

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

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