Saw Grass, Swamp sawgrass, Jamaica swamp sawgrass
Cladium mariscus

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

Cladium mariscus is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from July to August, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) 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): 3

Where it is found

Reed swamps and fens, often forming dense pure stands, usually on neutral or alkaline soils.

Widely distributed in the warmer and damper parts of both hemispheres, including Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The young shoots may be edible.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The stems are used in thatching. The roots have been used to make small baskets.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Thatching: Used for making thatched roofs.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any wet or moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in 2cm of water. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring.

Best place to grow: Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 3-7

Growth: Fast

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. jamaicense. Mariscus mariscus.