How much sun does Ross Sedge need?

Ross Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Ross Sedge bloom?

Ross Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.

Where is Ross Sedge native?

Ross Sedge (Carex rossii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Ross Sedge toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Ross Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Is Ross Sedge HOA-friendly?

Ross Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Ross Sedge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Carex rossii

Last reviewed: August 2026

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Ross Sedge as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

low

Size

6"–12" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Northwestern Great Plains Madrean Archipelago

Ross's sedge is a low-growing native grass that forms neat, compact clumps in part sun locations. This drought-tolerant perennial maintains a tidy appearance while requiring minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Ross 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 ground-feeding birds and nesting material for small wildlife. The clumping growth habit offers shelter for beneficial insects.

Common questions

How much sun does Ross Sedge need?: Ross Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Ross Sedge bloom?: Ross Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
Where is Ross Sedge native?: Ross Sedge (Carex rossii) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 11 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Ross Sedge toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Ross Sedge as toxic to livestock.
Is Ross Sedge HOA-friendly?: Ross 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 Ross Sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz