Herb: Saw Grass


Latin name: Cladium mariscus


Synonyms: Cladium jamaicense, Mariscus mariscus


Family: Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)



Edible parts of Saw Grass:

The young shoots may be edible.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Perennial


Height:
3 m
(9 3/4 foot)

Flowering:
July to
August

Habitat of the herb:

Reed swamps and fens, often forming dense pure stands, usually on neutral or alkaline soils.

Other uses of Saw Grass:

The stems are used in thatching. The roots have been used to make small baskets.

Propagation of the herb:

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in 2cm of water. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

Cultivation of Saw Grass:

Reed swamps and fens, often forming dense pure stands, usually on neutral or alkaline soils.

Medicinal use of the herb:

None known

Known hazards of Cladium mariscus:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.