Carex hirta
hairy sedge
An evergreen sedge, spreading by rhizomes, with loosely tufted, narrow, hairy foliage. Greenish flowers appear in upright, cylindrical clusters in summer, followed by small, green fruit
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | Green | Green | |
| Autumn | Green | Green | ||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
West–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Native to the UK
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Carex can be deciduous or evergreen, rhizomatous or tufted perennials, with triangular stems bearing linear or strap-shaped leaves and short or long spikes of tiny green or brown flowers
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Europe to N Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Naturally occurrs in damp, grassy places such as hedge banks and meadows, and can become a garden weed
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in containers in a cold frame in spring or by division in early summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Wildlife gardens
- Wildflower meadow
Pruning
Comb or rake off any old, tired or dead leaves and flowers in spring
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.