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.
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.
Does Swan's Sedge fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.