Common Name:

General Information

Carex lasiocarpa is a perennial plant growing from a vigorous, rhizomatous rootstock. It forms loose clusters of grass-like leaves around 50 - 120cm tall, spreading at the roots and able to form large colonies[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Widespread in northern latitudes, especially the subarctic and higher elevations, of N. America, Europe and Asia, but absent from eastern Siberia

Habitat

A dominant plant of boreal wetlands, often forming huge stands, growing in sedge meadows, fens, bogs, lakeshores, stream banks, usually in very wet sites and sometimes forming floating mats; at elevations up to 1,300 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.80 m
Pollinators	Wind

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 stems and leaves are used for making paper and rope[].

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.