String Sedge
Carex chordorrhiza
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
4"–12" H × 6"–18" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
IA, IL, IN, ME and 10 more states
String sedge is a low-growing native grass that forms dense mats in wet areas. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and produces small flower spikes in late spring and summer.
In an HOA neighborhood
String Sedge takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may create maintenance issues
- Very informal appearance doesn't match typical landscaping expectations
- Can spread aggressively and look uncontrolled
Wildlife value
This sedge provides habitat for wetland wildlife and its seeds may feed small birds, though it's not a major pollinator plant.
Common questions
- How much sun does String Sedge need?
- String Sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does String Sedge bloom?
- String Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is String Sedge native?
- String Sedge (Carex chordorrhiza) is native to IA, IL, IN, ME and 10 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is String Sedge HOA-friendly?
- String 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 String 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