Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Foothill Sedge (Carex tumulicola) is a native grass-like herb in the Cyperaceae (Sedge) family that is found primarily along the coast from Humboldt County to San Luis Obispo County and on the Channel Island. It tends to grow in meadows and open places, at elevations from sea level to 4,000 feet. Unlike many other members of this genus, it is not a wetland plant. It prefers some moisture but can tolerate short periods of dryness. It spreads slowly by rhizomes.

Plant type

Perennial herb

Size

6 - 12 in Tall
2 ft Wide

Growth rate

Moderate

Dormancy

Summer Semi-deciduous

Calscape icon
Color

Cream

Flowering season

Spring, Summer

Special uses

Containers, Deer resistant, Groundcover

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

Low, Moderate

Summer irrigation

Max 1x / week once established

Ease of care

Moderate

Cold tolerance

Tolerates cold to 15° F

Soil drainage

Fast, Medium, Slow

Soil description

Adaptable.

Site type

Meadows and open woodlands

Plant communities

Coastal Prairie, Douglas-Fir Forest, Mixed Evergreen Forest, Forest, Yellow Pine Forest

Use as a ground cover in spaces between trees or chaparral shrubs

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 7 likely

Confirmed Likely

American Ear Moth

Amphipoea americana

Common Ringlet

Coenonympha tullia

Olive Green Cutworm Moth

Dargida procinctus

Elachista cucullata