Botanical name:

Carex banksiana

Common name(s):

Fine-leaved hook sedge

About:

A blue-green or bright green densely tufted perennial, known for its attractive appearance, is commonly found throughout the majority of New Zealand. Alongside Carex uncinata, C. banksiana emerges as one of the most prevalent species within the northern coastal and lowland forest habitats, as well as in various types of scrub environments.

Natural habitat:

Coastal and lowland forests and scrub.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wind, Coastal and Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island from Te Paki to the southern Waikato and Bay of Plenty, then mainly west to about Wellington. In the South Island from North-West Nelson, Marlborough Sounds, Canterbury and Otago.

Height: 35cm

Flowering:

October – November

Fruiting:

November – April but may be present throughout the year.

Uses:

Riparian & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by division of established plants. Does best in a free draining soil, in a semi-shaded site

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