Botanical name:

Lepidosperma australe

Common name(s):

Square sedge, square-stemmed sedge

About:

This is a rush-like plant that can be found in various habitats, ranging from damp, marshy areas to dry scrubland throughout the diverse regions of New Zealand. It features fine, erect bluish-grey stems that can grow up to about 60 cm in height, creating a visually pleasing appearance. This plant thrives in moist soil conditions and requires full sun exposure for optimal growth. While it is an attractive addition to gardens, it can be somewhat temperamental in cultivation, which may pose challenges for gardeners. Its limited availability in the market further adds to its unique appeal.

Natural habitat:

Coastal to alpine (up to 1300m), usually in open ground, seral vegetation or peat bogs. Colonising seasonally dry, or well drained substrates as well as permanently wet substrates such as peat.

Growing environment:

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

Endemic distribution:

North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands of New Zealand.

Height: 60cm

Flowering: 

August – December with a red – pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

October - July (often present year round)

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Hedging, Riparian plantings, Forests, Pioneer Plantings, Shelter belts, Timber, Flowers, Wetland’s, Container friendly

How to grow:

Can be difficult to cultivate. The seed is difficult to germinate, and plants resent root disturbance and usually die if transplanted. However, considerable success has been achieved growing plants and/or germinating seed in untreated saw dust. Despite these problems this is an attractive species well worth attempting to grow. Once established it flourishes in a range of conditions from full sun in free draining soil to shade and permanently damp soils. Propagation is best by division.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 – 6 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though