Sand Sedge
Carex arenaria

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 0.5

Where it is found

Sandy sea shores, especially on fixed dunes and wind-blown sand.

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

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

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: 2

The root is diaphoretic and diuretic. 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. It has been used as a substitute for the tropical plant sarsaparilla. The root is harvested in the spring and dried for later use.

Antiflatulent: Reduces flatulence, particularly gas from eating legumes. See also Carminative.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.

Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.

Eczema: Used in the treatment of eczema - a chronic health condition that affects the skin, causing redness, dryness, itching and infections.

Hypoglycaemic: Reduces the levels of sugar in the blood.

TB: Plants used in the treatment of tuberculosis

Other

Rating:

The long creeping rootstock is valuable for binding sandy soils.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

How it is grown

Best grown in a sandy soil in a sunny position. Tolerates maritime exposure. 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: Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 6-9

Growth: Fast

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. spadicea.