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Ribbed Sedge

Carex virescens

Last reviewed: August 2026

Ribbed Sedge (Carex virescens)
Photo: Kevin Faccenda / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Toxicity unknown

Ribbed Sedge (Carex virescens) 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

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Ozark HighlandsPiedmontEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauErie Drift PlainNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyEastern Temperate ForestsCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Ribbed sedge is a clumping native grass that forms neat, upright tufts of narrow green leaves. It produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring and early summer, then goes dormant in winter. This sedge works well as a low-maintenance groundcover or accent plant in partially shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ribbed Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • May look sparse when dormant in winter

Wildlife value

The flowers attract small pollinators like bees and beetles in late spring. Seeds provide food for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Ribbed Sedge need?
Ribbed Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Ribbed Sedge bloom?
Ribbed Sedge blooms in May and June.
Where is Ribbed Sedge native?
Ribbed Sedge (Carex virescens) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 22 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Ribbed Sedge attract?
Ribbed Sedge draws bees and beetles.
Is Ribbed Sedge HOA-friendly?
Ribbed Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Ribbed Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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