Herb: Sedge


Latin name: Carex utriculata


Synonyms: Carex rostrata utriculata


Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)



Edible parts of Sedge:

The pith of the stem can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a sugary taste. Root and tuberous stem bases - cooked. Eaten by children. Seed. No further details are given, but the seed is small and fiddly to use.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
120 cm
(4 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Shallow water and swamps.

Propagation of Sedge:

Seed - sow in situ in the spring in a moist soil in light shade. If seed is in short supply it can be sown in a cold frame and be planted out in the summer. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 15°C. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.

Cultivation of the herb:

Shallow water and swamps.

Medicinal use of Sedge:

None known

Known hazards of Carex utriculata:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.