Swan's Sedge
Carex swanii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
12"–36" H × 6"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states
Swan's sedge is a clumping native grass that forms neat, upright tufts of narrow green foliage. It produces inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring through summer and turns golden-brown in fall before going dormant in winter.
In an HOA neighborhood
Swan's Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Goes dormant in winter and may look bare until spring growth
Wildlife value
This sedge provides important habitat and food for native butterflies, moths, and their caterpillars. The seeds support various songbirds and small mammals.
Common questions
- How much sun does Swan's Sedge need?
- Swan's Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Swan's Sedge bloom?
- Swan's Sedge blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Swan's Sedge native?
- Swan's Sedge (Carex swanii) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 23 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Swan's Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Swan's 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 Swan's 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