Shallow Sedge
Carex lurida
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
high
Size
12"–36" H × 8"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, FL and 27 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Shallow sedge is a clumping native grass that thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and partial shade. It produces small greenish flowers in late spring through summer and forms neat, arching clumps of narrow green foliage. It goes dormant in winter, turning brown before new growth emerges in spring.
In an HOA neighborhood
Shallow Sedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks weedy and unkempt to those unfamiliar with native plants
- Brown dormant appearance in winter may be seen as untidy
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may appear problematic
Wildlife value
This sedge provides important habitat and nesting material for native birds and small wildlife. While not a major pollinator plant, it supports various insects and offers seeds for birds in late summer.
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 Shallow Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.