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Pine Barren Flatsedge

Cyperus retrorsus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Pine Barren Flatsedge (Cyperus retrorsus)
Photo: James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)

Toxicity unknown

Pine Barren Flatsedge (Cyperus retrorsus) 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 sun

Water

medium

Size

6"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, DE, FL and 14 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

Cross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsPiedmontMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyMississippi Alluvial PlainMississippi Valley Loess PlainsSouthern Coastal PlainSouthern Florida Coastal PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Cyperus retrorsus is a native sedge that forms compact clumps of grass-like foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous flower clusters from summer through early fall and thrives in partially sunny locations with consistent moisture.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Pine Barren Flatsedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weeds
  • Unconventional plant choice for typical landscaping
  • May look unkempt during dormant season

Wildlife value

This sedge provides habitat and nesting material for birds. The seeds may attract small songbirds, though it is not a major pollinator plant.

Common questions

How much sun does Pine Barren Flatsedge need?
Pine Barren Flatsedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Pine Barren Flatsedge bloom?
Pine Barren Flatsedge blooms in June, July, August, and September.
Where is Pine Barren Flatsedge native?
Pine Barren Flatsedge (Cyperus retrorsus) is native to AL, AR, DE, FL and 14 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Pine Barren Flatsedge HOA-friendly?
Pine Barren Flatsedge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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.

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.

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