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Isolepis cernua

slender club-rush

An evergreen herbaceous annual or perennial, 15-30cm high, with very narrow, thread-like leaves, topped from mid to late summer by small silvery-white petal-less flowerheads which are followed by small brown-red seedheads

Other common names
Dougal grass
drooping rush
see moreoptical fibre plant
Synonyms
Isolepis 'Live Wire'
Scirpus cernuus
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Clay
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Grey Silver White Green
Autumn Green Brown Red
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Partial shade
Aspect

South–facing or North–facing or East–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Genus

Isolepis are short annual or perennial herbaceous perennials with narrow, grass-like leaves and spikes of petal-less flowers

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Temp. to Andes

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in full sun or light shade as a marginal pond plant in 2-8cm of water, in damp or wet soil in a bog garden, or in a very well-watered container

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division from mid-spring to early summer; see pond plant propagation

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Cottage and informal garden
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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