Baumea articulata, Jointed Twig-rush
Qld, NSW, Vic. A tall perennial herb 1-2m x 0.5-0.8m which grows around the margins of ponds or dams. It has stout cylindrical hollow stems and numerous brown 3-5 flowered spikelets Dec-Feb in large drooping panicles. It’s a useful shelter plant for water birds. It can be grown as a bog plant. Propagate from seed.
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Baloskion tetraphyllum syn. Restio tetraphyllus, Tassel Cord-rush
A sedge like herb with a tufting habit with attractive bright green feathery leaves or branchlets to 1.5m high. The flowers are much reduced and grouped in brown or reddish spikelets appearing from October to February. A non-invasive beautiful plant for planting in or around ponds. Requires permanently boggy sandy soils. It's now rare around Melbourne, but is found in all eastern states in swamps in wattle tea-tree scrub or tea-tree heathlands. Propagate from seed.
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Bolboshoenus caldwellii, Sea Club-rush,
Salt Club-sedge
Vic, NSW, Tas, SA, WA. An erect semi-aquatic perennial herb with leafy triangular stems growing from rhizomes 0.3-0.9m tall that flowers Oct-Apr with many flowered golden or red-brown spikelets. The nuts are straw coloured to golden brown. Requires fresh or brackish water on heavy clay or sandy soils.
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Carex appressa, Tall Sedge
All states. A slowly spreading robust dense tussock 0.5 - 0.8m tall with slender bright green arching leaves. Flowers Oct-March. Can be grown as an aquatic. Needs full sun and well drained clay loam soils. Propagate by division. Can be grown from seed in moist soil in a pot covered with glass. Suitable for stabilising eroded stream banks.
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Carex fascicularis, Tassel Sedge
All states. A slowly spreading graceful tussock 0.5-1m tall which is very decorative when in flower or fruit Oct-Dec. Can be planted around the edges of ponds or dams where the roots are wet. Propagate from seed.
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Cladium procerum, Giant Sedge, Leafy Twig-rush
Qld, NSW, Vic, SA, WA, NT. Tall grass-like perennial herb with erect stems and a shiny pale brown nut 90cm-1.8m. It is widespread growing in moist areas and along stream banks. It is suited to moist or wet soils, either sandy or clays. It’s frost hardy and needs sun. Suitable for large wetlands. Propagate from seed.
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Cyperus exaltatus, Water Sedge, Tall Flat Sedge
All mainland states. A handsome sedge 0.3m -1m tall found on river banks, lagoons and swamps. Frost hardy and flowers Jan- April for a long period. Propagate from seed as for aquatics.
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Gahnia clarkei, Big Coastal Saw-sedge
Tall Saw-sedge
Qld, NSW, Vic. A small to tall perennial palm-like tussock 1.5-4.5m x 1.3m found in sheltered gullies. It has reddish brown shiny nuts Sept-Feb. A very slow growing plant which requires a large area with moist soil. Tolerates permanent inundation. It grows best in semi-shaded positions. Propagate from seed.
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Gahnia siberiana, Red-fruit Saw-sedge
Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas, SA. A clumping perennial sedge 1.5-3m x 1.5-3m with stems to 3m tall. Flowers are cream and later form bright shining red-brown nuts which dot the panicle. It is a widespread species and a suitable substitute for pampas grass. It does well in a wide range of soils provided they are moist. Tolerant of heavy shade, but also grows in full sun. Hardy to frost and extended waterlogging. Suitable for large gardens, parks and roadsides. Useful for soil erosion control. Easily grown from seed which has been stored for 12 months.
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Isolepis nodosa, Knobby Club-rush
Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas, SA, WA. Dwarf to small perennial rush 0.5-1.5m x 0.6-2m that is tufted, coarse and wiry with underground creeping rhizomes. It grows on moist sandy soils and gravels and may be used to stabilise sandy soils. Provides interest in the landscape as a contrast plant. Propagate from seed.
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Juncus subsecundus, Finger Rush
Qld, NSW, Vic, Tas, SA, WA.
A tussocking perennial herb 0.5-1m x 0.5-1m which occurs on a wide range of soils. Stems are smooth, dull-blue-green. Flowers Mar-May and Nov-Jan. It prefers moist soil, but adapts well and can tolerate dry periods once established. Useful for soaks, bog gardens, pool margins, dams and lakes. Propagate from seed.
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Schoenoplectus validus, Club-rush, Lake Club-rush, River Club-rush
All states A tufted perennial herb 1.5-2.5m x 1.5-3m found in low lying areas adjacent to rivers, pools and swamps. Flowers Nov-Apr. Requires year round moisture.
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 Carex appressa, Tall Sedge
 Cyperus exultatus, Water Sedge, Tall flat Sedge
 Gahnia siberiana, Red-fruit Saw-sedge
 Isolepis-nodosa, Knobby Club-rush
Schoenoplectus-validus, Club-rush, Lake Club-rush |
