Carex sheldonii
Sheldon's sedge
(c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY) · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 2B.2
Carex sheldonii (Sheldon's sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by long many-ribbed perigynia with long outcurved-toothed beak.
Sheldon's sedge is a rare (CNPS 2B.2) California native perennial found in northern Sierra Nevada Mountains in Plumas and Placer counties and the Modoc Plateau in wet places at elevations of 1,200 to 1,500 meters. Flowering in late spring, this sedge produces green to purple-tinged flowers in compact spikelets 8 to 10 millimeters wide. Growing with rhizomatous roots and erect stems 40 to 80 centimeters tall, it forms dense clumps in moist habitats. Its leaves are hairy with blades 3 to 6 millimeters wide, featuring white leaf sheaths with a fibrous texture. The distinctive fruit has an ovate body with multiple ribs, tapering to a 2-millimeter beak with a purple tip and outcurved teeth.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 90 sympatric species; diagnostic long many-ribbed perigynia with long outcurved-toothed beak
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wet places
Elevation: 1200-1500 m
California counties: Modoc, Lassen, Placer, Plumas, Del Norte
Outside California: to Oregon, Idaho, Utah
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 sheldonii native to California?
Yes. Carex sheldonii is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex sheldonii grow?
Carex sheldonii occurs in Modoc, Lassen, Placer, Plumas, Del Norte, at elevations of 1200-1500 m.
What plant family does Carex sheldonii belong to?
Carex sheldonii is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
Is Carex sheldonii rare or endangered?
Carex sheldonii carries California Rare Plant Rank 2B.2, state rank S2.
What habitat does Carex sheldonii grow in?
Carex sheldonii grows in Wet places.
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.