Carex hirta

Cyperaceae Edible: Root, Seeds 10,347 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Carex hirta, the hairy sedge or hammer sedge, is a species of sedge native across Europe. It has characteristic hairy leaves and inflorescences, and is the type species of the genus Carex.

Description

A perennial sedge reaching 0.5 m (1 ft 8 in) tall and hardy to UK zone 6. Monoecious with wind-pollinated flowers appearing May to June, seeds maturing June to July. 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 consistently 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

The plant is diuretic.

Distribution

It grows in damp and sandy places and in brackish swamps.

Where It Grows

Britain, Europe, Luxembourg, New Zealand, North Africa, Turkey, Türkiye,

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.

References (3)

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
Sp. pl. 2:975. 1753