Rigid Sedge
Carex tetanica
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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 Rigid Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.