Richardson Sedge
Carex richardsonii
Last reviewed: August 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
IA, IL, IN, MD and 10 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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Carex richardsonii is a native sedge that forms neat, compact clumps of fine-textured foliage. This well-behaved perennial produces inconspicuous flowers in late spring and early summer while maintaining an orderly appearance throughout the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Richardson Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
This sedge provides seeds for birds and nesting material, while also serving as a host plant for some butterfly larvae. The dense clumps offer shelter for small wildlife and beneficial insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Richardson Sedge need?
- Richardson Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Richardson Sedge bloom?
- Richardson Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Richardson Sedge native?
- Richardson Sedge (Carex richardsonii) is native to IA, IL, IN, MD and 10 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Richardson Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Richardson Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Richardson Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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