Pretty sedge
Carex woodii
Last reviewed: September 2026
Pretty sedge (Carex woodii) is a perennial grass native to DC, GA, IA, IL and 14 more states. It blooms in April and May.
Toxicity unknown
Pretty sedge (Carex woodii) 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 × 12"–18" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
DC, GA, IA, IL 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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
A low mounding sedge with fine grass-like foliage that spreads gradually by rhizomes to form an open colony. Useful as a shade groundcover under trees where turf grass struggles.
Growing Pretty sedge
Grow Pretty sedge in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 6 to 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Foliage provides cover for ground-dwelling insects, and the wind-pollinated seed heads offer minor food value for birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Pretty sedge need?
- Pretty sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Pretty sedge bloom?
- Pretty sedge blooms in April and May.
- Where is Pretty sedge native?
- Pretty sedge (Carex woodii) is native to DC, GA, IA, IL and 14 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Pretty sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.