Carex disticha
Huds.
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCarex disticha is a Eurasian species of sedge known as the brown sedge or, in North America, tworank sedge.
Description
A perennial sedge reaching 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) tall and hardy to UK zone 5. Monoecious with wind-pollinated flowers blooming June to July, seeds ripening July to August. Tolerates light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acidic to mildly alkaline pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade or full sun, preferring moist or wet conditions.
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
None known.
Distribution
It is a cool temperate plant. It grows in damp meadows and grasslands.
Where It Grows
Britain, Europe, Luxembourg,
Cultivation
Easily grown in a damp to wet soil in full sun or shade. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
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 leaves are used for bedding.
Notes
There are about 2000 Carex species. There are 200 species in tropical America. It is used in medicine.
References (2)
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- 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
