Carex spectabilis, commonly known as Showy Sedge, is a perennial herb native to moist meadows, stream banks, and open forest habitats in subalpine to alpine zones of northwestern North America, including Alaska, and the Northwestern United States. It typically grows 20 to 35 inches tall, sometimes spreading by rhizomes. The plant forms dense tufts of grass-like leaves and is known for its distinctive inflorescence, which consists of an erect to heavily nodding cluster of flowers. These flowers are enveloped in dark purplish scales, and the fruit is encased in a perigynium that varies in color from pale yellowish to dark purple to black.

Showy Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and its textural foliage, which adds visual interest to water gardens, rain gardens, and moist woodland settings. It is often used for erosion control along stream banks and is appreciated for its low maintenance requirements. Showy Sedge prefers consistently moist soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to partial shade. While generally disease-free, it can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0