Lepidosperma longitudinale

Pithy Sword-sedge

Clumping perennial sedge, spreading by short underground stems. Stems ribbed, rigid but compressible, erect, strongly convex on both sides, spongy inside, margins smooth, 5-10mm wide.

Additional information

FamilyCyperaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size0.6-2 m x 1-3 m
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesLeaves similar to stems but shorter and less convex. Sheaths shiny, reddish tipped, yellow-brown to grey-brown at base, stem base similar.
Flower colourRed-brown
Flowering timeMost of the year
FlowersMany spikelets in a dense narrow, oblong erect to spreading spray 15-50 cm long. Leafy bract below flowers shorter than flowerhead. Nut pale to dark brown, smooth, shiny.
Bird attractingSeeds
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatNo
Growing conditionsMoist or wet soils in swampy riparian areas. Full sun, semi shade.
Garden useUseful plant for wet areas and around ponds and dams as edges are not sharp.
Commercially availableRarely
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites. More common in coastal Victoria.