How much sun does Needle-Leaf Sedge need?

Needle-Leaf Sedge grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Needle-Leaf Sedge bloom?

Needle-Leaf Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Needle-Leaf Sedge native?

Needle-Leaf Sedge (Carex duriuscula) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Needle-Leaf Sedge HOA-friendly?

Needle-Leaf Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Needle-Leaf Sedge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Carex duriuscula

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Needle-Leaf Sedge (Carex duriuscula) 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

full sun

Water

low

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 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

North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Great Plains Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains North Central Hardwood Forests

Carex duriuscula is a compact native sedge that forms neat clumps of narrow, blue-green foliage. This drought-tolerant grass thrives in full sun and requires minimal watering once established. It produces small flower spikes in late spring through summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Needle-Leaf 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 nesting material and seeds for birds, while also serving as host habitat for some butterfly larvae. Its dense clumps offer shelter for small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Needle-Leaf Sedge need?: Needle-Leaf Sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Needle-Leaf Sedge bloom?: Needle-Leaf Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Needle-Leaf Sedge native?: Needle-Leaf Sedge (Carex duriuscula) is native to AZ, CA, CO, IA and 16 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Needle-Leaf Sedge HOA-friendly?: Needle-Leaf 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.

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

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