Sand Sedge

Carex arenaria

Physical Characteristics

Carex arenaria is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from July to August. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Coastal areas of Europe, including Britain, the Black Sea, Siberia and N. America.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Root Seed Edible Uses: Root - cooked[172]. Seed[172]. No further details are given, but the seed is small and fiddly to use[K].

Medicinal Uses

Antiflatulent Antirheumatic Diaphoretic Diuretic Eczema Hypoglycaemic TB The root is diaphoretic and diuretic[4, 7, 9, 21, 61]. An infusion has been used in the treatment of bronchitis and catarrhs, abdominal and stomach disorders, liver complaints, arthritis and rheumatism and skin conditions such as eczema and pruritus[9]. It has been used as a substitute for the tropical plant sarsaparilla[4]. The root is harvested in the spring and dried for later use[9].

Known Hazards

None known