Rigid Sedge
Carex tetanica
Last reviewed: September 2026
Toxicity unknown
Rigid Sedge (Carex tetanica) 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
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CT, IA, IL, IN and 17 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 452 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
Rigid sedge is a native grass-like perennial that forms neat, upright clumps of narrow green leaves. It produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring and early summer, then goes dormant in winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Rigid Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant and browns in winter
- May look sparse when young
Wildlife value
This sedge provides seeds for birds and small mammals. The dense clumps offer nesting material and shelter for ground-dwelling wildlife.
Common questions
- How much sun does Rigid Sedge need?
- Rigid Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Rigid Sedge bloom?
- Rigid Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Rigid Sedge native?
- Rigid Sedge (Carex tetanica) is native to CT, IA, IL, IN and 17 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Rigid Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Rigid 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.
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 Rigid Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz