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Red-Root Flat Sedge

Cyperus erythrorhizos

Last reviewed: June 2026

Red-Root Flat Sedge (Cyperus erythrorhizos)
Photo: (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

4"–16" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 41 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California/Northern Baja CoastCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeChihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsSonoran Basin and Range

Red-rooted flatsedge is a small native sedge that forms low clumps with narrow, grass-like foliage. It produces small, reddish-brown flower clusters from summer through early fall and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils.

In an HOA neighborhood

Red-Root Flat Sedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires consistently wet conditions difficult to maintain
  • Annual nature means gaps and replanting needs
  • Can appear weedy or unkempt to conventional gardeners

Wildlife value

This sedge provides seeds for waterfowl and songbirds, particularly in wetland margins. The plant structure offers habitat for small insects and arthropods in moist soil environments.

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 Red-Root Flat Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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