Botanical name:

Carex coriacea

Common name(s):

Cutty grass, rautahi

About:

This native tussock plant typically grows to a height of around 60cm and showcases vibrant green leaves along with drooping seed heads that add a unique aesthetic. It serves well as a wonderful understudy plant suitable for a variety of environments, ranging from coastal areas to lower alpine locations. This plant is easy to grow and quite versatile, making it an excellent choice for ground cover, enhancing rock gardens, and providing attractive edging for garden beds.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to alpine (up to 1600m). Usually in damp seepages in grassland or on swampy river flats, sometimes a persistent weed in pasture.

Growing environment:

Frost, Drought, Shade, Salt, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand: North, South and Stewart Islands from Pureora and the Kaingaroa Plain south. In the South Island widespread thought more common on the eastern side.

Height: 60cm

Flowering:

October - December

Fruiting:

December - May

Uses:

Riparian plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by the division of established plants. However, because of its extensively rhizomatous nature it needs plenty of room to spread. Although a wetland species C. coriacea will grow well in most soils and moisture regimes. Does best in full sun.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. Sow seed direct & keep moist until germination is complete.