Smoothsheath Sedge
Carex laevivaginata
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Smoothsheath Sedge (Carex laevivaginata) 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
part sun
Water
medium
Size
12"–24" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states
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 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Carex laevivaginata is a smooth-sheathed sedge that forms neat clumps of fine-textured foliage in partial sun locations. This native sedge produces inconspicuous flowers from May through July and maintains a tidy, grass-like appearance throughout the growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Smoothsheath Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
Wildlife value
Like most sedges, this plant supports various native moths and butterflies whose larvae feed on sedge foliage. The seeds provide food for ground-feeding birds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Smoothsheath Sedge need?
- Smoothsheath Sedge grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Smoothsheath Sedge bloom?
- Smoothsheath Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Smoothsheath Sedge native?
- Smoothsheath Sedge (Carex laevivaginata) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 24 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Smoothsheath Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Smoothsheath Sedge is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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.
Ready to grow Smoothsheath 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