Curly sedge is an evergreen perennial plant in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) native to riverbanks of the South Island of New Zealand. The species epithet is Latin for "little white one." The reference was not explained by the author. It grows at a moderate rate to form one-foot-tall dense fountain-like clumps up to 1.5 feet wide. Plant it where it will receive adequate weekly moisture and full sun to partial shade. It reseeds itself easily and is drought, deer, and wet sites tolerant. If planted in a wet area, make sure the crown of the plant is above water, as it does not withstand submersion. The narrow arching light green to buff cream leaves provide year-round interest and turn silvery with age. The flowers are insignificant. This low-growing plant is commonly used in garden beds to emphasize other plants with more dramatic foliage color or flowers. Planted in mass along a slope, it gives the appearance of moving water. It acts as a groundcover and can be applied in woodland gardens, along pool hardscapes or planted in grids in more modern gardens. It also looks at home planted along a pond bank, as an edging plant, or in rock gardens or containers. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems. More information on Carex .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Ground Cover; Ornamental Grasses and Sedges; Perennial
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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; Loam (Silt); Sand; Shallow Rocky
Soil pH
Acid (<6.0); Alkaline (>8.0); Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist | Occasionally Dry | Occasionally Wet
Available space
Less than 12 inches
NC region
Coastal; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 0 ft. 10 in. - 1 ft. 6 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 1 ft. 6 in.
Growth rate
Medium
Maintenance
Low
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Arching; Cascading; Clumping; Dense; Mounding
Texture
Fine
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Gray/Silver; Green; White
Leaf size
< 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Delicate gray-green leaves turn silvery as they age. Narrow leaf blades that curve back toward the ground and look a bit like hair. The leaves remain on the plant and provide year-round interest especially in winter gardens.
Flower color
Brown/Copper
Flower form
Insignificant
Flower detail
Flowers are not showy, this plant is prized for its leaves.
Stem detail
Triangular stems
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
New Zealand South Island
Wildlife value
This plant supports various Satyr larvae.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators
Play value
Wind Shimmer
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Coastal; Container; Meadow; Pond; Pool/Hardscape; Riparian; Rock Wall; Slope/Bank; Woodland
Landscape theme
Asian Garden; Butterfly Garden; Cottage Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden; Water Garden; Winter Garden