Carex sartwelliana
Sartwell's or yosemite sedge, Sartwell's Sedge
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Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Carex sartwelliana (Sartwell's or yosemite sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by hairy leaves, tall stature, and purple stem bases.
Sartwell's sedge is a California native perennial found in central Sierra Nevada Mountains and Peninsular Ranges in moist meadows, creekbanks, and open forest at elevations of 1,200 to 2,600 meters. Its distinctive base features red-purple stems rising 30 to 145 centimeters tall, forming dense tufted clumps in damp mountain landscapes. Growing with hairy leaves 3 to 7 millimeters wide, this sedge has delicate white-margined green bracts with soft ciliate edges. Its fruits are small, measuring 1.5 to 2.1 millimeters long, with perigynium ranging from green to dark purple-brown on the upper portion of the body. The plant's unique growth form includes ascending perigynia with subtle ribs and thin-walled structures, creating intricate texture in mountain wetland environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 27 sympatric species; diagnostic hairy leaves, tall stature, and purple stem bases
Habitat and range
Habitat: Moist or wet meadows, roadside seeps, damp granite ledges, creekbanks, open forest
Elevation: 1200-2600 m
California counties: Fresno, Mariposa, Riverside, Tulare, Tuolumne, San Diego, Kern, San Bernardino, San Benito, Mono, Madera
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 sartwelliana native to California?
Yes. Carex sartwelliana is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex sartwelliana grow?
Carex sartwelliana occurs in Fresno, Mariposa, Riverside, Tulare, Tuolumne, San Diego, Kern, San Bernardino and other counties, at elevations of 1200-2600 m.
What plant family does Carex sartwelliana belong to?
Carex sartwelliana is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
What habitat does Carex sartwelliana grow in?
Carex sartwelliana grows in Moist or wet meadows, roadside seeps, damp granite ledges, creekbanks, open forest.
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.