Clustered Field Sedge (Carex praegracilis) is a native, sod-forming perennial sedge with grass-like leaves that grows 1-2 feet tall and wide. It blooms from May to September with small yellow flowers on short stalks. It is suitable for many landscape uses including as a lawn substitute that can be mowed occasionally or left natural, and does well on banks, slopes, and near streams and ponds with some sun. It provides good bird habitat when left un-mowed. Clustered Field Sedge requires full sun to part shade and any well-drained soil, and needs regular water in winter/spring but can be summer dry.

1. Clustered Field Sedge (Dune Sedge) – Carex praegracilis (CARE-ex pre-GRASS-ill-iss)
Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)
Native to: Much of mid-western and western Northern Hemisphere to S. America, including most of CA;
wet places, often alkali, including meadows, streamsides, floodplains and other moist areas.
Growth characteristics: sod-forming sedge mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 1-2 ft. Cool-
season sod-forming perennial sedge. Leaves slender, grass-like, from stout black rhizomes. Moderate
growth/spread rate and long lifespan.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms May-Sept. Flowers small, yellow on short stalks.
Uses in the garden: Usefully in many landscape situations. Good as a lawn substitute that’s mowed
occasionally or left natural. Fine on banks, slopes and near streams & ponds. Does ok under trees if gets
some sun. Nice-looking dark-green color & wavy texture. Mix with perennials for a native meadow.
May sometimes be labeled as Carex pansa (CA Meadow Sedge: very similar species).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native lawn grasses.
Attracts: Good bird habitat if left un-mowed: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade
Soil Any local texture, pH
Water Needs rain/regular water in winter/spring; regular/occasional summer water will
keep it green; can be summer dry – will turn golden-tan
Fertilizer none
Other
Management: Can be mowed occasionally if desired – cut high (4-6 inches). Will spread and eventually
form a dense, hardy ‘lawn’.
Propagation: from seed: possible in fall (in prepared ground or pots) by divisions: in fall/winter; easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 13, 20, 21, 24 1/18/15
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2. Carex praegracilis - Clustered Fieldsedge