Forest Sedge

Botanical name:Carex lambertiana
Synonyms:Carex dissita var. lambertiana
Common name(s): Forest sedge

About:
A robust forest sedge forming large leafy clumps with bright green to yellow-green foliage and dark reddish-brown flowering spikes. This attractive endemic species is larger and more substantial than the commonly grown Carex dissita and is well suited to shaded native plantings.

Natural habitat:
Open shaded forest, riparian forest, river terraces and damp coastal to montane forest margins.

Growing environment:
Thrives in moist fertile free-draining soils in partial shade. Prefers sheltered woodland conditions but tolerates a range of damp habitats including wetlands and scrub margins.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. Found in the North and South Islands. Common in the upper North Island and more localised through Nelson, Marlborough and northern Canterbury.

Height:
600 mm – 1 m tall

Width:
Forms large robust leafy clumps

Flowering:
September – December

Fruiting:
Throughout the year

Uses:

• Native woodland planting
• Riparian restoration
• Wetland margins
• Shade gardens
• Urban native landscaping
• Moist forest-edge planting
• Textural native planting

Appearance:
Forms robust bright green to yellow-green tufts with double-folded leaves 3–6 mm wide. Flower spikes are dark reddish-brown to almost black, erect and held on short stiff stems. Female spikes are cylindrical and densely flowered, reaching up to 5 cm long. Glumes are deeply notched at the tips and utricles are glossy dark brown to purple-black.

Ecology:
A species of forest and riparian ecosystems where it contributes to understorey diversity and stabilisation of moist soils. It occasionally naturalises in urban park environments.

Associated habitats:
Tall forest, riparian margins, river terraces, scrubland, wetlands and shaded urban parklands.

How to grow:
Easy to grow from fresh seed or division. Best planted in partial shade with moist fertile free-draining soil. Regular moisture encourages lush healthy growth.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from fresh seed and by division of established clumps.

Cultural use:
Part of New Zealand’s indigenous forest sedge flora associated with moist woodland and riparian ecosystems.

Garden value:
An excellent ornamental native sedge valued for its lush foliage, strong upright form and striking dark flower spikes. Ideal for shaded gardens, wetland edges and naturalistic native landscapes.