Carex arenaria

Sand sedge

Cyperaceae Edible: Root, Seeds 14,912 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Carex arenaria, or sand sedge, is a species of perennial sedge of the genus Carex which is commonly found growing in dunes and other sandy habitats, as the species epithet suggests (Latin arenarius, "sandy"). It grows by long stolons under the soil surface.

Description

A perennial sedge growing to 0.5 m tall with a fast-spreading habit reaching 2 m wide. Monoecious, wind-pollinated flowers appear June to July with seeds ripening July to August. Tolerates light sandy and medium loamy soils, including nutritionally poor soil, across mildly acidic to basic pH. Grows in semi-shade or full sun, prefers dry or moist soil, and tolerates maritime exposure. Hardy to UK zone 7.

Edible Uses

The root can be eaten cooked, and the seed is also edible, though it is small and fiddly to work with.

Medicinal Uses

The root is diaphoretic and diuretic. An infusion has been used to treat bronchitis and catarrhs, abdominal and stomach disorders, liver complaints, arthritis and rheumatism, and skin conditions such as eczema and pruritus. It has also been used as a substitute for the tropical plant sarsaparilla. The root is harvested in spring and dried for later use.

Distribution

It grows in coastal sandy areas. It suits river banks. It needs moist sandy soil in an open sunny position.

Where It Grows

Australia, Britain, Europe, North America, Siberia, Turkey, Türkiye,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by seeds or division of the rhizome.

Propagation

Sow seed in situ in spring in moist soil in light shade. If seed is scarce, sow in a cold frame and plant out in summer. Seed typically germinates in 2–6 weeks at 15°C. Divide in spring — larger clumps can go directly into permanent positions, but smaller clumps are best potted up and grown on in a cold frame until rooting well, then planted out in summer or the following spring.

Other Uses

The long creeping rootstock is valuable for binding sandy soils and stabilizing dunes.

Notes

There are about 2000 Carex species. There are 200 species in tropical America.

Synonyms

C. spadicea.

References (4)

Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 214
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Sp. pl. 2:973. 1753
Simpson, D. A. & Inglis, C. A., 2001, Cyperaceae of Economic, Ethnobotanical and Horticultural Importance: A checklist. Kew Bulletin Vol. 56, No. 2 (2001), pp. 257-360