| Common Name: | Fen Sedge |
| Synonym: | |
| Family: | Cyperaceae |
| Size: | 10-100cm high |
| Description: | Loosely tufted sedge spreading from long underground stems. Can form extensive mats. Flowering stems erect, rough, 3-angled to 90cm high, leafy bract longer than flowerhead. |
| Leaves: | Leaves bluish-green, 2-4mm wide, margins rough, longer than flowering stems. Sheath pale yellow-brown, appendage pointed. |
| Flowering: | Erect flowerhead 7-18cm long; 3-8 stalkless spikes 1.5-6cm long, 1 per node, scattered; upper 1-2 spikes male; lower spikes female or with male at either end. Fruit 4-6 veined, pale green to brown with red dots. |
| Flower Colour: | Almost black |
| Flowering Time: | September to February |
| Growing Conditions: | Permanently moist to wet soil or shallow water in swamps, slow-moving streams and fresh water to 30cm deep. Full sun, semi shade. |
| Garden Use: | Useful as a small sedge beside water areas and in shallow ponds and dams. Ornamental. |
| Related Species: | |
| Plant Communities: | 12, 30, 31, 33, 34, 35, 39 |
| Conservation Status: | Locally common within its preferred growing conditions |
| Aboriginal Use: | |
| Commercially available: | Indigenous nursery |
| Bird Attracting: | No |
| Butterfly Attracting: | Food plant for caterpillars |
| Frog Habitat: | Yes |
| Photographer: | Marilyn Gray © |