Handsome Bastard Grass

Botanical name: Carex strictissima
Synonyms: Uncinia strictissima, Uncinia rigida, Uncinia rubra var. rigida, Uncinia rubra var. strictissima
Common name(s): Handsome bastard grass, Bastard grass, Hook sedge

About:
A distinctive rush-like sedge forming dense upright tufts of dark olive-green to red-green foliage. Unlike most sedges, it has a strongly vertical habit with narrow rigid leaves and striking bright red leaf midribs. This uncommon endemic species is now rare in parts of its range and is highly valued by native plant enthusiasts.

Natural habitat:
Lowland scrub, swamps, lake margins and damp clearings within lowland forest.

Growing environment:
Prefers cool, damp soils in semi-shaded locations. Once established it tolerates periods of drought and adapts to a range of moisture conditions.

Endemic distribution:
Endemic to New Zealand. In the North Island it is largely confined to the Central Volcanic Plateau. In the South Island it occurs mainly through Nelson Lakes, Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

Height:
300–700 mm tall

Width:
Forms dense upright clumps.

Flowering:
October – December

Fruiting:
November – May, though persistent seed heads may remain present throughout the year.

Uses:

• Native garden planting
• Wetland margins
• Forest-edge planting
• Conservation restoration
• Container growing
• Feature sedge displays
• Biodiversity plantings

Appearance:

Growth habit:
Dense upright rush-like sedge with a strongly vertical form and tightly clustered stems.

Leaves:
Dark olive-green to red-green, narrow, rigid and strongly veined. The bright red midrib and leaf sheaths are distinctive features. Leaves are often inrolled and much shorter than the stems.

Flowers:
Produces slender flower spikes held above the foliage and usually subtended by a reddish thread-like bract longer than the spike itself.

Fruit:
Forms elongated pale brown utricles often flushed pink near the apex. The characteristic hooked fruiting structure reflects its former placement within Uncinia.

Ecology:
A species of damp lowland habitats where it contributes to understorey diversity. Although adaptable once established, it has declined significantly through habitat loss, weed invasion and browsing pressure.

Associated habitats:
Swamps, lake margins, wet scrub, forest clearings, damp grasslands and wetland margins.

How to grow:
Plant in cool, moist soil in partial shade. Water regularly during establishment. Although naturally associated with damp habitats, mature plants tolerate short dry periods and are relatively hardy once established.

Propagation:
Readily propagated from fresh seed or by division of established plants.

Cultural use:
Part of New Zealand’s indigenous hook sedge flora and representative of the former Uncinia group, whose species are characterised by their distinctive hooked fruits.

Garden value:
An unusual and highly ornamental native sedge valued for its upright rush-like habit, red leaf sheaths and architectural form. An excellent choice for collectors, native gardens and restoration projects where a distinctive textural element is desired.