Carex douglasii, commonly known as Douglas’ sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to a variety of habitats in western North America, including the western Canadian provinces, the western United States, and Baja California. It is commonly found in dry open areas such as prairies and foothills. It typically forms clumps with triangular stems that can reach up to 16 inches in height, emerging from thin rhizomes. The leaves are narrow and grass-like. Douglas’ sedge is dioecious, meaning plants are either male or female, with the male flowers being more conspicuous than the female ones.

Douglas’ sedge is valued for its adaptability to different soil types and its low water requirements, making it suitable for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings. It is often used in restoration projects, as it is effective in soil stabilization. In cultivation, it prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil conditions, from sandy to loamy, as long as they are well-drained. While not particularly showy, its subtle texture and form can add interest to rock gardens and borders.CC BY-SA 4.0