Great Pond Sedge

Carex riparia

Physical Characteristics

Carex riparia is an evergreen Perennial growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 2 m (6ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to June, 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), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Much of Europe, excluding the north but including Britain, N. Africa, W. Asia and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Bog Garden; 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

None known

Known Hazards

None known