Common Name:

General Information

Carex leporina is a perennial plant forming dense clumps of grass-like leaves with fertile stems around 20 - 90cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Eurasia - throughout Europe, east to western Siberia, Mongolia, western China and western Himalayas; N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria

Habitat

Rough grassy places on acid soils[]. Wet meadows and bog margins, although exceptionally it can grow on psychoxerophilic meadows; tolerates soil nitrification well; at elevations from 50 - 3,400 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.55 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The plant tolerates soil nitrification well[].

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 in Switzerland for stuffing furniture[].

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.