399B-3-Carex-fascicularis-fl-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Carex fascicularis

Tassel Sedge

Densely tufted sedge spreading from short underground stems. Flowering stems erect, rough above, 3-angled in cross section, to 1m high, leafy bract much longer than flowerhead.

Additional information

  • FamilyCyperaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size0.5-1 m x 0.5-0.75 m
  • Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
  • LeavesBright green leaves 6-11 mm wide, swollen at inner partitions. Same size as flowering stems. Sheath yellow-brown, appendage pointed.
  • Flower colourWhitish to pale brown
  • Flowering timeOctober to April
  • FlowersSpreading flowerhead 6-25 cm long; 3-6 long-stalked, drooping spikes, 1 per node; upper spike male; lower spikes mostly female. Fruit dark brown, veined, deeply split on tip, style 3-branched. Nut yellow-brown.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatYes
  • Growing conditionsMoist to wet soil on stream and swamp edges. Semi shade and dappled shade.
  • Garden useA bright sedge with attractive tassel spikes for water areas and beside ornamental pools. Tolerates planting within the water's edge.
  • Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photographer/s: 1, 2 Peter Kinchington ©; 3, 4 Marilyn Bull ©

Plant Communities

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  • 12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 34 Manna Gum Floodplain Riparian Woodland (EVC 56)
  • 35 Floodplain Wetland Complex (EVC 172)
  • 15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)
  • 41 Swamp Paperbark Riparian Thicket (EVC 59)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 33 Mountain Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 39 Sedge Wetland Complex (EVC 136)
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