Common Name:

General Information

Carex acutiformis is a perennial plant growing from a very robust rhizomatous rootstock; it produces loose clusters of grass-like plants with fertile stems growing around 40 - 100cm tall. The plant can form large communities[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eurasia - found throughout Europe, extending east to Kazakhstan and the western Himalays; N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria

Habitat

By the sides of slow-flowing rivers, canals and ponds, on clayey or peaty, base-rich soils[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.65 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Not known

Edible Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the young shoots and tender leaf bases of almost all species in this genus have a sweet flavour[]. They furnish a tasty nibble and make an excellent emergency food in the wild since they are widely available[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The plant is used for making the seating of chairs[]. (as Carex paludosa Gooden.)

The leaves of most species in this genus can be used to make a soft, insulated bedding for sleeping on when camping etc[].

Propagation

Seed - sow in situ in the spring in a moist soil in light shade. If seed is in short supply it can be sown in a cold frame and be planted out in the summer. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 15°c[]. Species in this genus, when started from seed tend to stay diminutive for over a year, with plant leaves remaining stunted and fragile for a considerable period of time[].
Division in spring[]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.