Common Name:

General Information

Carex brevicollis is a densely clump-forming plant with long rhizomes. It forms clumps of grass-lik leaves around 30 - 45cm tall, spreading at the roots to form colonies[].
The plant is cultivated in Moldova for the medicinal compunds contained in its leaves[].

Known Hazards

In some localities in Transcaucasia this species is called 'rabid grass' and is considered to be toxic to grazing animals[].
The plant contains the alkaloids brevicolline and brevicarine. Brevicolline is known to be oxytocic and can induce abortions[]..

Botanical References

Range

Southern and eastern Europe - France and Spain, then Ukraine and Slovakia to the Balkans, east to the Caucasus and Turkey

Habitat

Open forests, coppices, and mountain slopes[]. Calcareous mountain grasslands[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.40 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, 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

The plant contains the beta-carboline alkaloids brevicolline and brevicarine. Brevicolline has been shown to have an oxytocic activity and can induce abortions[].

Other Uses

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[]. Plants 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.