Lepidosperma elatius
Tall Sword-sedge
Tall clumping perennial sedge, spreading by short underground stems.
Additional information
- FamilyCyperaceae
- StoreyMiddle storey
- Size1-2.5 m x 1-2 m
- Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
- LeavesLeaves shorter than flowering stems (culms), 6-20 mm wide.
- Flower colourRed-brown
- Flowering timeNovember to April
- FlowersCulms rigid, either convex on both sides, strongly convex on one side or flat with a central raised midrib, very sharp margins, 5-15 mm wide. Many spikelets in a loose drooping spray 18-65 cm long on the end.
- Bird attractingSeeds
- Butterfly attractingNo
- Frog habitatYes
- Growing conditionsMoist to heavy soils in forests. Semi shade to full shade.
- Garden useGood tufting plant for moist areas but care needs to be taken due to the sharpness of culms. Will accept sun for part of the day.
- Commercially availableNo information available
- Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
- Aboriginal Use Lower leaves - fibre for basket making.
- Related speciesSimilar to large forms of Lepidosperma laterale which differs in that culms are flat or slightly convex on one side, shorter, and flowering spikes are more erect and shorter.
Photo Gallery
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©
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