Narrow Leafed Wood Sedge
Carex digitalis
Last reviewed: June 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.
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
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.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. 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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz