Carex barbarae, commonly known as Santa Barbara sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to riparian zones, wet meadows, and streambanks in California and Oregon. It can grow in both wet and seasonally wet habitats, often forming dense colonies. This sedge typically produces angled, hairless stems that can reach up to one meter in height. The foliage is characterized by tough, grass-like leaves with distinctive red-spotted or purple basal sheaths. During the flowering season, which occurs in late spring to early summer, Santa Barbara sedge develops an inflorescence consisting of erect and drooping spikes, up to 3 inches long. The fruits are enclosed in a sac-like structure called a perigynium, which is a key identifying feature of sedges.

Santa Barbara sedge is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion along waterways. It is also used in restoration projects and naturalistic landscaping, particularly in wetland and riparian plantings. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions. While it is low maintenance, it can spread vigorously and may need to be managed to prevent unwanted naturalization. Historically, this sedge was utilized by Native American groups such as the Maidu and Pomo for basketry and as sewing fiber, highlighting its cultural significance.CC BY-SA 4.0