Isolepis cernua

Nodding, Low or Grassy Club-sedge

Tufted or clumping perennial sedge, spreading from underground stems. Stems thread-like.

FamilyCyperaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size2-20 cm high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesLeaves reduced to a basal sheath, absent or occasionally to 4 cm long. Leafy bract below flowerhead slightly longer than spikelet, to 1 cm long.
Flower colourStraw-coloured to red- or orange-brown
Flowering timeSpring to Summer
FlowersSingle, occasionally 3 spikelets 2-6 mm long. Lower bracts spirally arranged, rounded tip, 2-6 veins. Nut with angled edges, shiny yellow-brown to dark grey-brown.
Bird attractingNo
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist soils which do not dry out in swampy areas and floodplains. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden useGrow along edges of water areas and in bog gardens which will not dry out.
Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites. Widespread in southern half of Victoria.
Related speciesDistinguish from Isolepis platycarpa by the larger yellow- to grey-brown nut which has more angular edges and smaller network of veins over it.