Botanical name:

Carex pumila

Common name(s):

Sand sedge

About:

A coastal plant commonly found thriving on sandy and gravelly beaches, this small sedge typically grows up to 30cm in height and features rather coarse light green leaves that add a unique texture to the landscape. It requires a sunny, well-drained site to flourish, making it an excellent choice for seaside plantings where other plants may struggle to survive.

Natural habitat:

Mostly coastal, rarely extending inland. A species of mobile sand dunes, sand flats and dune slacks (swales). Sometimes found fringing the sandy margins of coastal rivers and lagoons. Occasionally found as an urban lawn weed, especially in coastal settlements.

Growing environment:

Frost, Drought, Sun, Salt, Coastal, Wind & Free draining tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Chatham Islands. Uncommon in parts of the South Island. Also recorded from Australia, Lord Howe Island, Chile, China, Japan and Korea.

Height: 30cm

Flowering:

October – December

Fruiting:

December – June

Uses:

Riparian plantings, Pioneer plantings & Erosion control

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by division of established plants. Will grow in most soils and conditions but does best in a freely draining medium in full sun. Some wild populations rarely set seed, and some selection of wild forms is merited. An excellent and highly under-rated sand binder.

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