Tarheel Sedge
Carex austrocaroliniana
Last reviewed: August 2026
Toxicity unknown
Tarheel Sedge (Carex austrocaroliniana) 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
6"–12" H × 4"–8" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, GA, KY, NC and 2 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
Tarheel sedge is a low-growing native grass-like perennial that forms neat, compact clumps. It produces small flowers in spring and early summer, making it useful as a groundcover or edging plant in partially shaded areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Tarheel 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 provides habitat and food for various insects and small wildlife, though it is not a major pollinator magnet.
Common questions
- How much sun does Tarheel Sedge need?
- Tarheel Sedge grows best in part shade conditions.
- When does Tarheel Sedge bloom?
- Tarheel Sedge blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Tarheel Sedge native?
- Tarheel Sedge (Carex austrocaroliniana) is native to AL, GA, KY, NC and 2 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Tarheel Sedge HOA-friendly?
- Tarheel 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 Tarheel 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