Smooth Sedge
Carex laeviculmis
Care
full sun, part shade
Resistant
Friendly
Tubers eaten cooked; traditional Indigenous food source
Coastal woodlands and grasslands of northern California from Humboldt to Santa Cruz Counties, below 2,000 ft elevation
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Smooth Sedge in full sun to part shade; it's native to California's higher elevations (2,300-6,000 feet) and prefers moist conditions, so choose a location that won't dry out completely. This sedge works well in containers or garden beds and is deer resistant, making it a reliable choice for most Bay Area gardens. Plant in fall or early spring when temperatures are mild to give it time to establish before summer heat.
After Planting
Water regularly during your first growing season to keep the soil consistently moist, mimicking the moist mountain habitats where this sedge naturally grows. Once established, reduce watering frequency but don't let it dry out completely - this is a sedge that wants moisture, not drought. The biggest mistake is treating it like a typical California native that thrives on neglect; Smooth Sedge needs more attention to water than many drought-tolerant alternatives.
Wildlife Supported
Insects
Fungal leaf disease present during active growth periods