Botanical name:

Carex virgata

Common name(s):

Swamp sedge, pukio, toitoi, toetoe

About:

Resembling Carex secta, Swamp sedge displays a more upright growth habit and features erect seed spikes. This robust New Zealand native sedge thrives in environments like swamps, drain margins, and wetland areas, making it an excellent choice for planting and revegetation projects. Its vigorous colonising ability makes it suitable for landscaping and low-maintenance gardens.

Natural habitat:

Widespread from sea level to about 1000m in open, swampy conditions and also in damp sites within lowland forest. In parts of the country this sedge is often the dominant carex of lowland alluvial forest.

Growing environment:

Frost, Sun, Salt, Wetland, Wind, Coastal & tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.

Height: 1m

Flowering:

October - December

Fruiting:

December - May

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by the division of established plants. A fast growing sedge often popular in wetland restoration and riparian plantings.

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