438B-3-Lepidosperma-filiforme-fl-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Lepidosperma filiforme

Common Rapier-sedge

Slender tufted perennial sedge, spreading by very short underground stems. Flowering stems rigid, erect, rounded to 2mm diam.

Additional information

  • FamilyCyperaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Sizestems 0.3-1 m high
  • Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
  • LeavesLeaves shorter than flowering stems, rounded to 1 mm diam, channelled near base, sometimes reduced to dull, straw-coloured to reddish leaf sheaths.
  • Flower colourLight brown to red-brown
  • Flowering timeSpring to Summer
  • FlowersNarrow to fan-shaped, erect or spreading flower spike 1-12 cm long; central stem zigzagging; leaf-like bract at base of flower shorter than flowerhead. Small spikelets. Nut smooth, shiny, grey-green to red-brown.
  • Bird attractingSeeds
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist soils in heathy woodlands and open forests. Semi shade.
  • Garden useAn interesting slender sedge for moist areas and beside pools and water areas.
  • Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©

Plant Communities

  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • 26 Red Stringybark Grassy Dry Forest - Middle Yarra (EVC 22)
  • 19 Long-leaf Box Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 15 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket - Middle & Upper Yarra (EVC 59)
  • 21 Broad-leaf Peppermint Heathy Dry Forest (EVC 20)
  • 29 Green Scentbark Herb-rich Foothill Forest (EVC 23)
  • 36 Scented Paperbark Riparian Thicket – Central Highlands (EVC 59)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
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