Carex californica
California sedge
(c) Justin Paulin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Justin Paulin · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Carex californica (California sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by minute basal leaves and glandular-papillate bracts.
California sedge is a native perennial sedge found in northern California Coast and northern California Coast Ranges in pygmy forests, meadows, swamps, and damp roadbanks at elevations below 350 meters. Flowering times not specified, this sedge produces green flowers with distinctive red or purple-brown bracts. Growing with rhizomatous stems 20 to 70 centimeters tall, the base of the stems are characteristically red or purple. Its basal leaves are minute, with stem leaves 2 to 5 millimeters wide, green, and papillate on the underside, with leaf sheaths featuring red or red-dotted coloration. The fruit is small, approximately 1.7 to 3.1 millimeters long, with a distinct beak 0.5 to 1 millimeter in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 66 sympatric species; minute basal leaves and glandular-papillate bracts
Habitat and range
Habitat: Pygmy forest, meadows, swamps, damp roadbanks
Elevation: < 350 m
California counties: Mendocino, Sonoma
Outside California: to Washington, also Idaho
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.2
How to tell it apart
vs Juncus: Carex stems are triangular when rolled; Juncus stems are round and often hollow with partitions inside.; vs Cyperus: Carex has seeds in individual flasks; Cyperus has umbrella-like flower clusters with flattened ribbon-like spikes.; vs Plantago: Carex has triangular stems and brown/green spikelets; Plantago has round flower stalks and white/brown spike flowers.; vs Eleocharis: Carex has leaves along the stem; Eleocharis is nearly leafless with just one spikelet per stem.; vs Schoenoplectus: Carex has leafy stems and flask-enclosed seeds; Schoenoplectus has leafless round stems with exposed seeds.
Frequently asked questions
Is Carex californica native to California?
Yes. Carex californica is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex californica grow?
Carex californica occurs in Mendocino, Sonoma, at elevations of < 350 m.
What plant family does Carex californica belong to?
Carex californica is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex californica rare or endangered?
Carex californica carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Carex californica grow in?
Carex californica grows in Pygmy forest, meadows, swamps, damp roadbanks.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.