Rigid Sedge
Carex tetanica
Last reviewed: July 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CT, IA, IL, IN and 15 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 383 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaRigid 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 15 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- 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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Rigid Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz