How much sun does Slough sedge need?

Slough sedge grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Slough sedge bloom?

Slough sedge blooms in April, May, and June.

Where is Slough sedge native?

Slough sedge (Carex obnupta) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Slough sedge attract?

Slough sedge draws wind pollinated.

Slough sedge

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Carex obnupta

Last reviewed: September 2026

Slough sedge (Carex obnupta) is a perennial grass native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw wind pollinated.

Toxicity unknown

Slough sedge (Carex obnupta) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

24"–48" H × 18"–36" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

CA, OR, WA

Pollinators

wind pollinated

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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Picture natives in your own yard

Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Slough sedge.

Try it with your yard

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Puget Lowland Marine West Coast Forest Northwestern Forested Mountains Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

Slough sedge is a coarse, clumping evergreen sedge with dark green arching leaves and inconspicuous wind-pollinated flower spikes. It grows in wetlands, marshes, and along stream edges, tolerating standing water.

Growing Slough sedge

Grow Slough sedge in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 48 inches tall and spread 18 to 36 inches wide.

Wildlife value

While its flowers offer little to pollinators, the dense foliage provides cover and nesting material for wetland birds and small wildlife, and the seed heads feed songbirds.

Common questions

How much sun does Slough sedge need?: Slough sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Slough sedge bloom?: Slough sedge blooms in April, May, and June.
Where is Slough sedge native?: Slough sedge (Carex obnupta) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Slough sedge attract?: Slough sedge draws wind pollinated.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

Ready to grow Slough 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