Carex inversa
Kangaroo or knob sedge, Kangaroo Sedge
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Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Not Native
Carex inversa (Kangaroo or knob sedge) is a non-native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by . Non-native species distinguished by rhizomatous habit, prominent bracts, and sharp-edged perigynia.
Kangaroo or knob sedge is a naturalized perennial sedge found in the Sacramento Valley and Peninsular Ranges in damp or disturbed areas, riparian zones, and grassy habitats at elevations below 750 meters. Its inflorescence consists of dense, compact clusters with spikelets 5 to 10 millimeters long, typically with staminate flowers at the base. Growing in tufted clusters with rhizomes, this sedge produces stems 5 to 50 centimeters tall with narrow leaves less than 4 millimeters wide. Its leaves are shorter than the stems, with distinctive pistillate flower bracts that are white with green midveins. The fruit is small and elliptic, with a shiny green to pale brown perigynia that has 3 to 8 prominent veins and a short beak.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 36 sympatric species. Non-native species distinguished by rhizomatous habit, prominent bracts, and sharp-edged perigynia.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Damp or disturbed bare ground, riparian zones, thickets, grassy areas
Elevation: < 750 m
Outside California: Hawaii, western Europe, native to Australasia
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 inversa native to California?
No. Carex inversa is not native to California (recorded as not native).
What plant family does Carex inversa belong to?
Carex inversa is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
What habitat does Carex inversa grow in?
Carex inversa grows in Damp or disturbed bare ground, riparian zones, thickets, grassy areas.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
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.