Botanical name:

Carex erythrovaginata (Uncinia laxiflora)

Common name(s):

Lax bastard grass, hook sedge

About:

C. erythrovaginata is a robust, densely tufted perennial characterised by its dark green coloration, native to both the North and South Islands of New Zealand. It bears resemblance to Carex strictissima, with which it has occasionally been mistaken; however, C. erythrovaginata is distinguished by its clearly leafy growth habit, in contrast to the more rush-like appearance of Carex strictissima.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. Usually in forest & occasionally in scrub.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North and South Islands, as far south as Dunedin.

Height: 75cm

Flowering:

October – November

Fruiting:

November – January (-March)

Uses:

Riparian Plantings, Forests & Wetlands

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by division of established plants. Prefers a permanently moist, peaty soil but will grow in most substrates. Best in semi-shade.

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