Sedge (CAREX)

Sedge family Description: sedges resemble grasses, and most of them grow in marshy places and along bodies of water. At first glance the plants can be mistaken for grasses, but there is one feature that allows "to recognize them by sight" - a three-angled stem, the edges of which can be sharp or rounded.

Most sedges are perennials with long or shortened rhizomes. The genus Carex includes many species that differ from each other not only in habit and height but also in ecological requirements. Among them are alpine species, arctic species, as well as lowland and marsh species, growing on wet acidic meadows, peat bogs and sandstones. Interestingly, these are ancient ornamental plants. In Japan, for example, they have been used since time immemorial alongside hostas, irises and maples in traditional gardens, and many modern cultivars originate from that country. The modern assortment of sedges is very rich. Catalogs of various nurseries describe up to 150 species and varieties, most often about 50 are offered. Mostly they come from the Far East and from Europe, a small number originate from North America. Sedges from New Zealand are increasingly entering cultivation. With such an assortment you can choose sedges suitable for any corner of the garden. Some form small dense cushions, others - large clumps or green carpets. Flowers are monoecious or dioecious, consisting of one or two spikes, which may be bisexual, male or female. The fruit is a downy achene. Sedges are decorative during the flowering period with their anthers hanging on thin threads.

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