867B-1-Carex-gunniana-Greg-Jordan-2.jpg

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.
Photographer/s: Greg Jordan, © University of Tasmania

Plant Communities

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