Preferring damp soil, pendulous sedge is an attractive and useful perennial for bog gardens and those on heavy clay soil. However, its tendency to self-seed freely can make it unwelcome in some parts of the garden.
Pendulous sedge is an ancient woodland indicator – its presence in woodland, along with other indicator species, suggests that the site has been continuously wooded for a long period of time. Ancient woodlands are those that have existed, mostly unchanged, since the 17th century and developed complex ecosystems of plants, animals and fungi. For more information on ancient woodland visit The Woodland Trust.
Pendulous sedge is a UK native, found throughout the country in woodland, hedgerows and along riverbanks. Its preference for damp soil makes it a useful perennial for gardens on heavy, clay soils and for planting in bog gardens and around ponds.
Pendulous sedge grows well in damp shade and complements plants with large rounded leaves, such as hostas It is a good plant for wildlife too, with its dense, evergreen foliage providing winter shelter for insects and its leaves are eaten by caterpillars of the Twin-barred Dwarf moth. Also useful for humans, its strong, strap-like leaves can be woven into rope and matting, and its edible seeds can be toasted and ground to make flour, or added to salads. However, pendulous sedge self-seeds readily and can quickly start appearing around a garden, in borders and lawns, if not managed. It also grows to form a sizeable clump, so can smother and outcompete smaller plants.
What is a weed?The term ‘weed’ describes a plant that is growing where it isn’t wanted. Weeds usually thrive in average garden conditions, reproducing and spreading easily. It is up to you to decide what you call a weed and what you choose to retain or remove.
The term ‘weed’ describes a plant that is growing where it isn’t wanted. Weeds usually thrive in average garden conditions, reproducing and spreading easily. It is up to you to decide what you call a weed and what you choose to retain or remove.
Pendulous sedge self-seeds readily, with each flower spike producing hundreds of seeds. Many fall and germinate around the base of its parent – so a single plant can quickly become a clump of several. This is good news if you are growing it in a ‘tricky’ spot, such as on a steep bank, but may not be so welcome in ornamental borders or next to lawns. Seed is also easily transported by the wind, so you may find new plants popping up around your garden. Luckily, deadheading pendulous sedge prevents self-seeding, and it is easy to remove any seedlings that do appear. © ShutterstockLong arching flower spikes are held above the leaves, making deadheading easy
No – allowing pendulous sedge to grow in a woodland-edge border, bog garden, wildlife corner, damp meadow or less-cultivated area is a great way to boost the biodiversity of your garden and support your garden’s wildlife. It is, however, a good idea to promptly deadhead plants if you don’t want them to self-seed. You can manage the size of established plants, by dividing them in spring, so they don’t smother nearby plants. Take careThe leaves of pendulous sedge have sharp edges and the stiff flower spikes can be a hazard at eye level, so take care to site this plant away from paths and walkways and remove any seedlings that appear there.
The leaves of pendulous sedge have sharp edges and the stiff flower spikes can be a hazard at eye level, so take care to site this plant away from paths and walkways and remove any seedlings that appear there.
If you have pendulous sedge growing where it is not wanted, there are several ways to control it:
Don’t add the flower spikes of pendulous sedge to your home compost bin, as it may not reach high enough temperatures to kill any seeds that have developed. Instead, put them in your council green waste recycling bin or take them to your local recycling site.
Wear gloves when handling pendulous sedge as its leaves have sharp edges.
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