Carex nervina, commonly known as Sierra sedge, is a perennial herb native to wet meadows and streambanks in the mountainous regions of California, including the Sierra Nevada and San Joaquin Valley, as well as adjacent parts of Oregon and Nevada. It forms dense, spongy clumps of winged stems that can reach up to 28 inches in height. The inflorescence of Sierra sedge is a dense cluster of compact spikes, each up to 1.2 inches long, with fruit enclosed in a shiny green or brown toothed perigynium. The flowering season typically occurs in late spring to early summer, and while the flowers are not particularly showy, they add texture to the landscape.

Sierra sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in riparian restoration projects and for erosion control due to its dense root system. It is also suitable for water gardens and as a ground cover in moist, shaded garden areas. In cultivation, Sierra sedge prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil. It is relatively low maintenance but may need division every few years to maintain vigor.CC BY-SA 4.0