Torrent sedge
Carex nudata
Last reviewed: September 2026
Torrent sedge (Carex nudata) is a perennial grass native to CA, OR, WA. It blooms in April, May, and June. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.
Toxicity unknown
Torrent sedge (Carex nudata) 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
full sun
Water
high
Size
18"–36" H × 24"–36" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
CA, OR, WA
Pollinators
wind-pollinated
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
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A robust sedge that forms neat, arching tussocks of glossy green blades along stream edges, with reddish-brown flower spikes rising above the foliage in spring. It is commonly used in streambank restoration for its tidy clumping habit.
Growing Torrent sedge
Grow Torrent sedge in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 18 to 36 inches tall and spread 24 to 36 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Streamside tussocks stabilize banks and provide cover for amphibians, fish fry, and aquatic insects.
Common questions
- How much sun does Torrent sedge need?
- Torrent sedge grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Torrent sedge bloom?
- Torrent sedge blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Torrent sedge native?
- Torrent sedge (Carex nudata) is native to CA, OR, WA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Torrent sedge attract?
- Torrent sedge draws wind-pollinated.
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.
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 Torrent sedge? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.