Japanese sedge
Carex hachijoensis

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

Carex hachijoensis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 0.3 m (1ft in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5. The flowers are pollinated by Wind, Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

E. Asia.

Native to low alpine areas in Japan. Most sedges are found in wetlands – such as marshes, calcareous fens, bogs and other peatlands, pond and stream banks, and riparian zones.

Conservation Status: Not Listed.

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A good evergreen ground cover supplying winter interest. Can be used on slope or Banks. Good in containers. Variegated forms available for foliage interest including Carex hachijoensis Evergold. Can make a good edging plant. Deer resistant and shade tolerant.

Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Ground Cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Best grown in moist, fertile, medium to wet soils in part shade to full shade. Soils should not be allowed to dry out. In full sun and hot sites foliage tends to bleach to an unattractive yellow. Tolerates: Deer, Heavy Shade, Erosion, Wet Soil. In garden design, as well as the above-ground architecture of a plant, root structure considerations help in choosing plants that work together for their optimal soil requirements including nutrients and water. The root pattern is clumping, giving the plant a 'clumping' habit. The predictable growth behaviour makes it easier to maintain without having to apply containment methods.

Propagating it: Propagate by plant division in spring or seeding in the fall.

Best place to grow:

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 5-9

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Full shade, semi-shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Carex, Japanese Sedge, Oshima Sedge

Synonyms

No synonyms are recorded for this name.