Carex normalis, commonly known as Greater Straw Sedge, is a semi-deciduous perennial grass native to moist meadows, wet prairies, and stream banks in the Eastern United States and Ontario. It typically grows to a height of 5 feet (1.5 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Greater Straw Sedge has a clumping form with narrow, grass-like leaves and inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. While the flowers are not showy, they add a fine-textured element to the garden. The plant is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and for its use in rain gardens and naturalized areas.

Greater Straw Sedge is appreciated for its adaptability to wet conditions and its utility in erosion control. It is often used in restoration projects, as well as in residential landscapes for naturalistic plantings. This sedge thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistent moisture, making it suitable for wetland gardens and along water features. It prefers soils with medium to slow drainage and can tolerate occasional flooding. Although generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to rust diseases in some conditions.CC BY-SA 4.0