Slender Sedge
Carex lasiocarpa
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
12"–48" H × 6"–24" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA, CT, IA, ID and 18 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Slender sedge is a tall, graceful wetland grass that forms upright clumps with narrow arching leaves. It produces inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring and early summer, followed by attractive seed heads. This sedge thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions and is ideal for rain gardens or pond edges.
In an HOA neighborhood
Slender Sedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires constantly wet conditions unsuitable for most residential yards
- Can appear wild and unkempt to conventional landscaping standards
- Goes dormant in winter leaving brown stubble
Wildlife value
The seed heads provide food for waterfowl and songbirds in fall and winter. Dense clumps offer nesting sites and cover for wetland 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 Slender Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.