Carex pansa
Sand dune sedge
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Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Carex pansa (Sand dune sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by habitat and rhizome characteristics.
Sand dune sedge is a California native perennial sedge found in coastal regions including northern California Coast, central California Coast, southern California Coast, and northern Channel Islands in coastal sand habitats at elevations near sea level. Its inflorescence forms compact ovate to elliptic clusters with 1 to 10 spikelets in dark brown or purple-brown tones. Growing from spreading rhizomes 2 to 5 millimeters thick, this sedge develops flat or V-shaped leaf blades 1 to 3 millimeters wide. Its distinctive pistillate flower bracts are typically dark brown with white margins and have a shiny appearance. The fruit is small and brown, with a slightly tapered body measuring 1.4 to 2.1 millimeters long and featuring prominent veins on its outer surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 56 sympatric species; diagnostic habitat and rhizome characteristics
Habitat and range
Habitat: Coastal sand
Elevation: < 10 m
California counties: Humboldt, Del Norte, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Marin, San Francisco, Sonoma
Outside California: to British Columbia
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 pansa native to California?
Yes. Carex pansa is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex pansa grow?
Carex pansa occurs in Humboldt, Del Norte, San Luis Obispo, Ventura, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Marin, San Francisco and other counties, at elevations of < 10 m.
What plant family does Carex pansa belong to?
Carex pansa is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
What habitat does Carex pansa grow in?
Carex pansa grows in Coastal sand.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · 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.