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Small Yellow Fox Sedge

Carex annectens

Last reviewed: June 2026

Carex annectens is a native sedge found across eastern and central United States, blooming May through July. This adaptable grass-like plant tolerates various light and moisture conditions in natural landscapes.

Small Yellow Fox Sedge (Carex annectens)
Photo: Doug Goldman (douggoldman) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

12"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 28 more states

Yellow fox sedge is a native clumping grass that forms neat, upright tufts of bright green foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous flower clusters in late spring and early summer, followed by attractive seed heads. This sedge offers a tidy, grass-like appearance that works well as a groundcover or accent plant.

Growing Small Yellow Fox Sedge

Grow Small Yellow Fox Sedge in part sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 12 to 24 inches tall and spread 6 to 12 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Small Yellow Fox Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.

  • May look sparse in winter when dormant

Wildlife value

This sedge provides seeds for songbirds and small mammals. The foliage offers cover for ground-dwelling insects and small wildlife.

Common questions

Where does Carex annectens naturally grow?
Small Yellow Fox Sedge is native to much of the eastern and central United States, from Maine south to Alabama and west to Kansas and Nebraska.
When does Small Yellow Fox Sedge bloom?
Carex annectens typically blooms from May through July, producing small, inconspicuous flowers characteristic of sedges.
What growing conditions does this sedge prefer?
This adaptable sedge tolerates a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade and can grow in wet to moderately dry soils, making it suitable for various landscape situations.
How can I identify Small Yellow Fox Sedge?
Carex annectens is a grass-like perennial sedge with narrow leaves and small flower clusters. Like other sedges, it has triangular stems and produces seed heads rather than true flowers.
Is Small Yellow Fox Sedge HOA-friendly?
Small Yellow Fox Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

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 Small Yellow Fox 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