Botanical name:

Carex lessoniana

Common name(s):

Rautahi, cutty grass

About:

A sturdy sedge that reaches a height of 1m, featuring broad green leaves and flowering stems. This tussock has the ability to form colonies. It is closely related to Carex geminata, with the distinction lying in a few subtle botanical features of the seed. It serves as an excellent option for preventing erosion along stream banks, waterways, and wetlands.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to lowland (rarely montane). Usually on the margins of peat swamps, or in very wet alluvial forests.

Growing environment:

Sun, Shade, Wetland, Wind, Coastal, Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Widespread in the North Island. In the South Island more common in the northern half, sporadic further south.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

October - December

Fruiting:

December - April

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by the division of established plants. Although a wetland species C. lessoniana will grow well in most soils and moisture regimes. Does best in partial shade.

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