Carex halliana
Oregon sedge, Oregon Sedge
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.3
Carex halliana (Oregon sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by pumice habitat, V-folded leaves, and thick-walled ribbed perigynia distinctive.
Oregon sedge is a rare (CNPS 2B.3) California native perennial found in the Klamath Ranges and High Cascade Range in dry upland and forest edge habitats at elevations of 1,300 to 2,200 meters. The sedge produces erect spikelets with pistillate flower bracts that are often purple-tinged with white margins. Growing with rhizomatous stems 10 to 50 centimeters tall, it has distinctive ascending leaf blades that are strongly V-folded and 3 to 5 millimeters wide. Its leaves are glabrous and ascending, creating a tidy, structured appearance in forest understory environments. The fruit features thick-walled perigynia that are green to gold, with strongly ribbed surfaces and small erect teeth at the beak.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 94 sympatric species; pumice habitat, V-folded leaves, and thick-walled ribbed perigynia distinctive
Habitat and range
Habitat: dry upland, forest edges, often on pumice
Elevation: 1300-2200 m
California counties: Siskiyou, Shasta
Outside California: to Washington
Conservation status
CNPS 2B.3
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 halliana native to California?
Yes. Carex halliana is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex halliana grow?
Carex halliana occurs in Siskiyou, Shasta, at elevations of 1300-2200 m.
What plant family does Carex halliana belong to?
Carex halliana is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex halliana rare or endangered?
Carex halliana carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.3, state rank S2.
What habitat does Carex halliana grow in?
Carex halliana grows in dry upland, forest edges, often on pumice.
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.