Carex nudata, commonly known as Torrent Sedge or California Black-flowering Sedge, is a perennial herb native to riparian zones, wet meadows, and streambanks in the Pacific Northwest, including California, Oregon, and Washington. It typically forms dense, grass-like clumps reaching 1-2 feet in height and width. Torrent Sedge is characterized by its bright green, narrow, and arching leaves, and distinctive flowering spikes. The inflorescences, which appear from late spring to early summer, consist of long scaly spikes bearing flowers that range in color from black to dark reddish or dusky brown. These flowers tend to droop, especially when heavy with moisture.

Torrent Sedge is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and prevent erosion in wetland restoration projects and naturalized areas. It is also used in rain gardens and along water features for its attractive foliage and unique flower spikes. This sedge prefers consistently moist to wet conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clay, as long as they are well-draining. It thrives in full sun to part shade. While generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust and other fungal diseases in overly crowded or poorly ventilated conditions. Torrent Sedge is not known for aggressive roots or significant invasiveness, making it a reliable choice for ecological plantings.CC BY-SA 4.0