Carex gunniana var. gunniana

Swamp Sedge

Densely tufted sedge spreading from short underground stems. Stems 5-30cm high, erect, noded, smooth, 3-angled, lowest leafy bract shorter than flowerhead, bracts from upper nodes longer.

Additional information

FamilyCyperaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizestems 15-70 cm high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesSoft leaves 3-10 mm wide, longer than flowering stems. Sheath pale brown, appendage rounded with red dots.
Flower colourPale red-brown
Flowering timeSummer
FlowersErect to spreading flowerhead 10-40 cm long, above leaves; 1 shortly stalked spike per node, lowest much below others; upper spike male; lower spikes female, bracts with short bristle. Fruit green, strongly veined, tip notched.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsMoist to wet swampy soil close to watercourses. Semi shade.
Garden useGrow in moist sheltered areas.
Commercially availableUnlikely to be available within the Shire of Yarra Ranges
Conservation statusRare in Victoria with few known populations. Known from very few local sites in the Shire.