Botanical name:

Carex cockayneana

Common name(s):

Cockayne’s sedge

About:

Carex cockayneana is a tussock-forming perennial belonging to the Cyperaceae family, endemic to the North Island and certain regions of the South Island of New Zealand. It is particularly well-suited for cultivation along shaded stream banks.

Natural habitat:

Montane to subalpine. Usually along stream sides in montane forest or in subalpine scrub. Sometimes extending into tall tussock grassland where it grows around seepages, springs or tarns.

Growing environment:

Frost, Shade, Wind, Wetland tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island although uncommon, near Wellington. In the South Island scattered but mainly in the west.

Height: 60cm

Flowering:

October – December

Fruiting:

November – May but may be present throughout the year.

Uses:

Riparian Plantings, Forests & Wetlands

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and from division of established plants. Best to be grown in a permanently damp situation in a shaded site but will tolerate full sun and dry conditions once established.

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