Grassland Sedge

Botanical name: Carex breviculmis
Synonyms: None
Common name(s): Grassland sedge, Asian shortstem sedge

About:
A low-growing grass-like sedge forming dense bright green patches in open grassland and sparsely vegetated habitats. This hardy and adaptable species flowers early and thrives across a wide range of conditions.

Natural habitat:
Open grassland, gumland scrub, clay pans, talus slopes, rock outcrops and sparsely vegetated coastal to montane sites.

Growing environment:
Drought tolerant, Frost tolerant, Wind tolerant & Free-draining soil tolerant.
Prefers full sun and open sites with well-drained soils but tolerates a wide range of growing conditions.

Endemic distribution:
Indigenous to New Zealand, Australia, New Guinea, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. Found throughout both the North and South Islands of New Zealand.

Height:
3–30 cm tall

Width:
Forms spreading low-growing patches

Flowering:
August – December

Fruiting:
October – May

Uses:

• Lawn alternative plantings
• Groundcover for dry areas
• Rock gardens and banks
• Native meadow plantings
• Erosion control
• Coastal and alpine landscaping

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Low tufted sedge forming dense compact patches with short hidden stems.

Leaves:
Bright green grass-like leaves, narrow and recurved with finely roughened edges.

Flowers:
Tiny pale green flower spikes clustered low within the foliage.

Fruit:
Small pale utricles covered in fine hairs surrounding light brown nuts.

Ecology:
An adaptable species occupying open disturbed habitats from coastal areas to montane zones. Seeds are dispersed by wind and animals.

Associated habitats:
Occurs in native grasslands, gumland scrub, rocky slopes, clay pans, coastal turf and open alpine vegetation.

How to grow:
Easy to grow in full sun with free-draining soil. Tolerates drought, light shade and seasonal dry conditions but dislikes permanently waterlogged soils.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from fresh seed or by division of mature clumps.

Cultural use:
No specific traditional cultural uses are widely recorded for this species.

Garden value:
An excellent low-maintenance native sedge for naturalistic plantings, pathways and dry gardens. Valued for its neat form, bright green foliage and adaptability.