Skip to main content

Woolly Sedge

Carex pellita

Last reviewed: June 2026

Woolly Sedge (Carex pellita)
Photo: (c) aarongunnar, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by aarongunnar

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 12"–24" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul

Native to

AR, AZ, CA, CO and 37 more states

Woolly sedge is a clumping native grass that forms dense, tufted mounds with soft, grayish-green foliage. It produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in late spring and early summer. This sedge thrives in moist to wet soils and partial sun conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Woolly Sedge is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: foundation, mid zone, backyard only.

  • Requires consistent moisture which may look out of place in drier landscapes
  • Can appear unkempt if not occasionally groomed

Wildlife value

Provides nesting material and cover for birds, while the seeds feed waterfowl and small mammals. The dense clumps offer shelter for beneficial insects and amphibians in wet areas.

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