Carex hoodii, commonly known as Hood’s sedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to a variety of habitats in western North America, including open coniferous forests, forest clearings, subalpine meadows, and mountain slopes from Alaska to California and east to South Dakota. It typically forms dense clumps of thin, wiry stems that can reach up to 32 inches in height, with narrow, grass-like leaves. The plant produces dense clusters of reddish-brown flowers in late spring to early summer, which are not particularly showy but add a subtle texture to the landscape.

Hood’s sedge is valued for its adaptability to different moisture levels, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. It can be used for naturalistic plantings, as a ground cover in shaded areas, or for erosion control on slopes. It prefers partial shade to full sun and requires well-drained soil, although it can tolerate a range of soil types. This sedge is relatively low-maintenance, but it may benefit from occasional watering during prolonged dry periods. It is not known for serious disease or pest issues, but can become invasive if conditions are ideal, so monitoring and management may be necessary to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0