Smoothstem sedge
Carex laeviculmis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Smoothstem sedge (Carex laeviculmis) is a perennial grass native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states. It blooms in May and June.
Toxicity unknown
Smoothstem sedge (Carex laeviculmis) 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 shade
Water
medium
Size
8"–20" H × 12"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 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 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A fine-textured, tufted sedge with thin, arching, bright green leaves that form small clumps. Grows in moist, shaded seeps and streambanks in mixed conifer forest.
Growing Smoothstem sedge
Grow Smoothstem sedge in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 8 to 20 inches tall and spread 12 to 18 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The fine foliage provides cover for small insects and amphibians near seasonal seeps, and the seeds are eaten by small birds.
Common questions
- How much sun does Smoothstem sedge need?
- Smoothstem sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Smoothstem sedge bloom?
- Smoothstem sedge blooms in May and June.
- Where is Smoothstem sedge native?
- Smoothstem sedge (Carex laeviculmis) is native to CA, CO, ID, MT and 3 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Smoothstem sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.