Ravensfoot Sedge
Carex crus-corvi
Last reviewed: June 2026
Carex crus-corvi (Ravensfoot Sedge) is a native wetland grass found across the eastern and central United States. This sedge blooms from March through August and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Ravensfoot Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
24"–36" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 19 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Ravensfoot Sedge is a native Texas grass that forms upright clumps with narrow, arching leaves. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers from spring through late summer and goes dormant in winter.
Growing Ravensfoot Sedge
Grow Ravensfoot Sedge in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 36 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
Ravensfoot Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, mid zone.
- Cut back in late winter
Wildlife value
This sedge provides habitat and nesting material for birds, while its seeds feed various songbirds and small wildlife.
Common questions
- Where is Carex crus-corvi native to?
- Ravensfoot Sedge is native to 22 states across the eastern and central United States, from Florida north to Michigan and west to Texas and Nebraska.
- When does Ravensfoot Sedge bloom?
- Carex crus-corvi blooms from March through August, with peak flowering typically occurring in late spring to early summer.
- What growing conditions does Carex crus-corvi prefer?
- This sedge grows best in full sun to partial sun with medium to high moisture levels. It naturally occurs in wetlands, pond margins, and other consistently moist areas.
- What wildlife does Ravensfoot Sedge support?
- Like other native sedges, Carex crus-corvi provides seeds for waterfowl and other birds, and its dense growth offers nesting habitat and cover for wetland wildlife.
- Is Ravensfoot Sedge toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Ravensfoot Sedge as toxic to livestock.
- Is Ravensfoot Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Ravensfoot 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.
Does Ravensfoot Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.