Sedge, Northwest territory sedge
Carex utriculata

Family: Cyperaceae

What it is like

Carex utriculata is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.2 m (4ft). 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 wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 1.2

Where it is found

Open swamps, wet thickets, marshes, sedge meadows, bogs, fens, stream, pond, and lakeshores from sea level to 3500 metres.

N. America - Newfoundland and southwards.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

The pith of the stem can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a sugary taste. Root and tuberous stem bases - cooked. Eaten by children. 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.

Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a damp to wet soil in full sun or shade. 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: Pond; Bog Garden;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

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

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Wet, water

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. rostrata utriculata.