Common Name:

General Information

Carex macrocephala is a perennial plant with a long, stout creeping rhizomatous rootstock. It produces clusters of grass-like leaves around 10 - 20cm tall, spreading at the roots to form coloniesl74, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and a medicine.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

E. Asia - Russian Far East, northern Japan; Western N. America - Alaska to Oregon.

Habitat

Sand dunes along the seacoast, N. Japan[]. Sandy beaches along seacoasts, sounds, bays, and inlets, especially on dunes in N. America[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a damp to wet soil in full sun or shade[, ]. Judging by its native range, the plant is likely to tolerate maritime exposure[].
Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[].

Edible Uses

Root - cooked[].

Seed[]. Very nutritious[]. The seed is small and fiddly to use[]. The seed of this species is said to be up to 5mm long[].

We have no more 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 seed is considered to be very nutritions, and is recommended as a constructive food in the treatment of malnutrition. It is also said to prevent nausea, and is recommended in the treatment of anorexia. Its prolonged use produces great bodily strength[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is sometimes used in sand dune stabilization projects along the coast of Japan[].

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[]. 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.