Carex triquetra
Trigonous sedge, Trigonous Sedge
Photo by Chez Brungraber
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Carex triquetra (Trigonous sedge) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by distinctive papillate leaf surface and hairy perigynia.
Trigonous sedge is a California native perennial sedge found in coastal areas including the Central Coast, Southern Coast, southern Channel Islands, Transverse Ranges, and Peninsular Ranges in clay and rocky non-serpentine soils at elevations below 1,800 meters. This sedge forms dense tufted clumps with stems 30 to 60 centimeters tall, characterized by leaf blades 2.5 to 6 millimeters wide with distinctively red-dotted leaf sheaths. Growing as a cespitose (tufted) plant, it produces lateral spikelets that often have staminate flowers at the base and tend to nod gently. Its leaves are minutely papillate on the upper surface, with copper-colored pistillate flower bracts that have occasionally hairy midribs. The plant's fruits are elliptic, measuring 3.2 to 3.5 millimeters long with spreading hairs and a short beak less than 1 millimeter in length.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 74 sympatric species; distinctive papillate leaf surface and hairy perigynia
Habitat and range
Habitat: Clay, often rocky non-serpentine soil
Elevation: < 1800 m
California counties: San Diego, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Alpine
Outside California: northern Baja California
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 triquetra native to California?
Yes. Carex triquetra is native to California (recorded as native).
Where in California does Carex triquetra grow?
Carex triquetra occurs in San Diego, Ventura, Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Orange, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and other counties, at elevations of < 1800 m.
What plant family does Carex triquetra belong to?
Carex triquetra is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Carex.
What habitat does Carex triquetra grow in?
Carex triquetra grows in Clay, often rocky non-serpentine soil.
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.