Carex riparia

Carex riparia, the greater pond sedge, is a species of sedge found across Europe and Asia. It grows in a variety of wet habitats, and can be a dominant species in some swamps. It is Britain's largest Carex, growing up to 130 cm (4 ft 3 in) tall, with glaucous leaves up to 160 cm (5 ft 3 in) long. It hybridises with a number of other Carex species, including the closely related Carex acutiformis – the lesser pond sedge. A variegated cultivar is grown as an ornamental grass.

💡 In 1754, Lin Nai established the genus known as "true sedge." This plant is a significant component of China's flora and is the dominant grass species in the lowest layer of many forests. In some areas, true sedge makes up most of the lower vegetation.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Grass

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Carex

Family

Cyperaceae

Hardiness Zone

5-7

Mature Height

0.52 m to 1.22 m

Mature Spread

61 cm to 91 cm

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Leaf Type

Semi-evergreen

Flower Color

White, Yellow, Green, Brown

Bloom Time

Late spring, Early summer

Planting Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

Mid summer, Late summer

Tags (7)

Common Names (5)