Lepidosperma laterale
Variable Sword-sedge
Variable small to tall clumping perennial sedge, spreading by very short underground stems. Flowering stems rigid, flat or slightly convex on one side with very sharp margins, 3-10cm x 2-8mm.
Additional information
- SynonymLepidosperma laterale var. majus
- FamilyCyperaceae
- StoreyLower storey
- Size0.4-1.5 m x 0.5-2 m
- Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
- LeavesLeaves similar but shorter than flowering stems (culms), sometimes twisted, 3-8 mm wide. Sheaths reddish or dark greyish brown at base, lighter at tip.
- Flower colourRed-brown to grey-brown
- Flowering timeSeptember to March
- FlowersFew spikelets in a narrow, erect to slightly spreading spray 4-35 cm long. Leafy bract below flowers shorter than flowerhead. Nut pale brown, wrinkled or smooth, shiny.
- Bird attractingSeeds
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsMoist to dry sandy to rocky soil in woodland and riparian forests. Semi shade to dappled shade.
- Garden useVery adaptable feature plant which will also tolerate sun. Care needs to be taken with placement due to the sharp edges.
- Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Aboriginal Use Lower leaves - fibre for basket making, red bases used for contrast.
- Related speciesSimilar to Lepidosperma elatius which has longer leaves and culms and a larger, drooping flowerhead.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: 1, 3, 5 Peter Kinchington ©; 2, 4 Marilyn Bull ©
Plant Communities