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Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge

Carex digitalis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Carex digitalis is a native sedge found across eastern and central United States, blooming April through June in partial shade to shaded woodland areas.

Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge (Carex digitalis)
Photo: (c) John Baur, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John Baur

Toxicity unknown

Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge (Carex digitalis) 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"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 27 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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsPiedmontNorthern Lakes and ForestsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Carex digitalis is a compact native sedge that forms neat, low clumps of fine-textured evergreen foliage. It produces inconspicuous flower spikes in spring and maintains an attractive, tidy appearance year-round in partial shade areas.

Growing Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge

Grow Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Narrow Leafed Wood 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 beneficial insects. While not a major pollinator plant, it supports the overall ecosystem as a host for various native moth and butterfly larvae.

Common questions

Where does Carex digitalis naturally grow?
Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge is native to 32 states across the eastern and central United States, from Maine to Florida and west to Texas and Wisconsin.
When does Carex digitalis bloom?
This sedge produces flowers from April through June, typically in spring to early summer.
What growing conditions does Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge prefer?
Carex digitalis thrives in partial shade to full shade with medium moisture levels, making it well-suited for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
Is Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge HOA-friendly?
Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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