Botanical name:

Carex testacea

Common name(s):

Prairie Fire, speckled sedge, trip me up

About:

One of the best known native NZ carex species, used extensively in landscaping. The densely tufted foliage is green below with bright orange on the upper half, giving an overall golden appearance. Growing to 50cm with longer drooping flower stems. It's rich colour is lovely throughout the year and looks best in full sun.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to montane. In sand dunes, coastal forest and scrub, dense forest or short tussock (Festuca novae-zelandiae) grassland.

Growing environment:

Frost, sun, drought, salt & wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand: North and South Islands although uncommon in the South Island.

Height: 50cm

Flowering:

September - December

Fruiting:

November - May (but may be present throughout the year)

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and by division of established plants. Can be grown in full sun and deep shade but prefers a free draining soil. Forms with dark orange-red leaves and culms are very popular in cultivation.

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