Common Name:

General Information

Carex pendula is a stout, perennial plant growing from a very robust, rhizomatous rootstock; it produces dense clusters of grass-like leaves with fertile stems around 60 - 150cm tall[, ].
The plant has been used in the past to make the seating of chairs, though this is possibly no longer practiced. The plant also has potential for use in water purification systems and for remediation of metal-contaminated wetlands.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Western & southern Europe - UK to Denmark, south to Portugal, Italy and the Balkans; W. Asia - Turkey, Syria; Africa - Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia

Habitat

Damp woods and shady stream banks, usually on clayey soils[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.20 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

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant has the ability to concentrate lead, particularly in its roots, but also in its leaves. It can also grow in soil heavily contaminated wthwaste water.It has potential for use in water purification systems and also for remediation of wetlands[].

Other Uses

The plant is used for making the seating of chairs[].

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.