Carex polyantha

River Sedge

Densely tufted sedge spreading from long underground stems. Flowering stems erect, rough above, 3-angled to 80cm high, leafy bract longer than flowerhead.

Additional information

FamilyCyperaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size0.2-0.8 m high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesLeaves 4-9 mm wide, similar length to flowering stems. Sheath orange-brown, appendage pointed to blunt, notched.
Flower colourDark red-brown
Flowering timeSpring to Summer
FlowersErect flowerhead 10-55 cm long with 5-8 scattered stalkless spikes 2-17 cm long, 1 per node; upper 1-5 spikes male, or female below; lower spikes female or with male above. Fruit red-dotted, style 2-branched.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsMoist sandy to rocky soils on stream margins of foothills. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden usePlant beside water areas or in bog gardens.
Commercially availableNo information available
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites. Scattered sites mostly in Gippsland.
Related speciesSimilar to Carex gaudichaudiana (see Aquatics). Fruit of C. polyantha tapers abruptly and has a distinctive parallel-sided tip, while the fruit of C. gaudichaudii tapers gradually and has a notched tip.