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Tray of foothill sedge (Carex tumulicola) plug in propagation. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants nursery in Portland, Oregon
Close up of the inflorescence of foothill sedge (Carex tumulicola). One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants nursery in Portland, Oregon
Growth habit of foothill sedge (Carex tumulicola) plug in propagation. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants nursery in Portland, Oregon

Foothill Sedge

Carex tumulicola

This native sedge, with grass-like foliage, has become a popular component of modern native landscapes due to its manageable size and versatility. Unlike most other native sedges, it is not a wetland plant so it thrives and looks great just about anywhere you plant it. It’s evergreen, drought-tolerant and the mounding foliage provides excellent habitat for arthropods. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 8" tall, 18" wide
  • Light requirements: full sun, part sun/part shade
  • Moisture requirements: dry to moist soil
  • Bloom time: n/a
  • Growth rate/ease: medium growth rate, easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: foliage provides nesting/refugia habitat for arthropods; seeds are eaten by songbirds; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native moths and butterflies
  • Native habitat/range: grows in grasslands, oak savanna, dry slopes, and forest openings, up to 800m, west of the Cascades from northern California to British Columbia. Portland Plant List - yes. 
  • Special features & uses: drought tolerant; deer resistant; evergreen

Gardening with Foothill Sedge: Perhaps the best thing about foothill sedge is that it’s one of the least-fussy plants out there when it comes to light exposure all-around soil type; acidity, moisture content, consistency or nutrient density. Plus, its simple grass-like form mixes well with other plants. Plant it under a tree or right out in the open and it will give your perennial gardens and pollinator meadows year-round structure. 

Photo Credit 1: Seven Oaks Native Nursery

Photo Credit 2: © Chloe and Trevor Van Loon, some rights reserved (CC-BY)

Photo Credit 3: Karli Del Biondo, Beetles and Bees