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New Zealand Hairy Sedge Carex comans

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
KAY-reks KOH-manz
Description

New Zealand hair sedge is a perennial sedge in the plant in the Cyperaceae (sedge) family native to New Zealand where it is found growing in pastures and along roadsides.  It grows in a weeping clump 1 to 2 feet tall and wide with very fine leaves that look like hair or a mop.  In fact, the species name comans is Latin for resembling a head of hair.  The name Carex is Latin for "cutter" in reference to the sharp triangular stem edges found on most members of this genus.  

Plant in  full sun to partial shade.  Soils should be moist, rich in organic material, and well draining though it will tolerate some drought once established.  If pruning becomes necessary to maintain an attractive appearance, remove unkempt leaves to 5" above the ground in late winter or early spring.  Propagate this plant by dividing it in spring or through seeds.

The flowers are insignificant this plant is grown for its interesting leaves.

Plant it along streambanks or pond margins, en mass or small groups along slopes or in large containers where the drooping foliage can be admired.  It self seeds readily so naturalizes easily and can be used for winter interest a meadow garden or woodland edge.  Use it to line a walkway or in the front of a border or tucked between rocks in a rock garden.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No serious problems.

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Amazon Mist'
'Amazon Mist'
Tags:
#evergreen#sedge#slopes#riparian#ornamental grass#interesting leaves#mass planting#stream banks#pond margins#rock garden#self-seeding#pollinator plant#clumping#naturalized area#larval host plant#border front#walkway planting#small group plantings#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#rushes#various satyr butterfly#container plant#perennial#pollinator garden#wildlife friendly
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Amazon Mist'
'Amazon Mist'
Tags:
#evergreen#sedge#slopes#riparian#ornamental grass#interesting leaves#mass planting#stream banks#pond margins#rock garden#self-seeding#pollinator plant#clumping#naturalized area#larval host plant#border front#walkway planting#small group plantings#wet soils tolerant#butterfly friendly#rushes#various satyr butterfly#container plant#perennial#pollinator garden#wildlife friendly
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Carex
    Species:
    comans
    Family:
    Cyperaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    New Zealand
    Wildlife Value:
    This plant supports various Satyr larvae.
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Clumping
    Dense
    Weeping
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Fine
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    High Organic Matter
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Flowers:
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Spike
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    Flowers late spring to early summer, male flowers are in terminal while female flowers are in lateral spikles. Insignificant, this plant is grown for its interesting leaves.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Other/more complex
    Rosulate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Sharp margined very narrow 1/16" wide 12-12" long pale green to bronze with brown purple lower sheaths
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Angular
    Stem Description:
    Triangular stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Pond
    Riparian
    Slope/Bank
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Drought Tolerant Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Rock Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Attracts:
    Butterflies
    Pollinators
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Drought
    Wet Soil