Great Pond Sedge
Carex riparia
Family: Cyperaceae
What it is like
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.
Height (m): 1.5
Where it is found
By slow flowing rivers, in ditches and ponds and occasionally on drier ground.
Much of Europe, excluding the north but including Britain, N. Africa, W. Asia and the Caucasus.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Root - cooked. Seed. No further details are given, but the seed is small and fiddly to use.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The straw is used for bedding.
Bedding: Used as a lining for sleeping on or putting fruits etc on.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a damp to wet soil in full sun or shade. A very aggressive and invasive plant. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 5-9
Growth: Fast
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet