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Northern Singlespike Sedge

Carex scirpoidea

Last reviewed: September 2026

Northern Singlespike Sedge (Carex scirpoidea)
Photo: (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Northern Singlespike Sedge (Carex scirpoidea) 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 Northern Singlespike Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

4"–16" H × 3"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

CA, CO, ID, ME and 12 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 RangeNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsNorthwestern Great PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal Zone

Northern singlespike sedge is a compact, low-growing native grass that forms small clumps with narrow green foliage. This drought-tolerant perennial produces distinctive single flower spikes from late spring through summer and thrives in full sun conditions.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Singlespike 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 seeds for small birds and ground-nesting habitat. The flowers support various small insects and native bees during the blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Northern Singlespike Sedge need?
Northern Singlespike Sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Northern Singlespike Sedge bloom?
Northern Singlespike Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Northern Singlespike Sedge native?
Northern Singlespike Sedge (Carex scirpoidea) is native to CA, CO, ID, ME and 12 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Northern Singlespike Sedge toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Singlespike Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Northern Singlespike Sedge HOA-friendly?
Northern Singlespike 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.

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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