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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Slender Sedge need?
- Slender Sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Slender Sedge bloom?
- Slender Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Slender Sedge native?
- Slender Sedge (Carex lasiocarpa) is native to CA, CT, IA, ID and 18 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Slender Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Slender Sedge takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
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 Slender 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