Caustis flexuosa
curly wig
Overview
Caustis flexuosa is an evergreen sedge forming tufts of wiry, branching stems 16-40 inches (40-100 cm) tall, with the slender branchlets curling and zigzagging at the tips. The true leaves are reduced to sheaths at the stem bases, so the green photosynthetic work is done by the curled stems themselves. Small brown spikelets cluster along the upper branches, produced mainly in spring and summer. Plants spread by short rhizomes to form open colonies. The curling stems are cut for the floral trade, where they are sold as curly wig. Growth is slow, and the species is hard to transplant because of its root and fungal associations in sandy soils. Established clumps tolerate drought, low-nutrient sandy soils, and periodic fire, resprouting from the rhizome.
Native Range
Native to eastern Australia from Queensland through New South Wales to Victoria and Tasmania. Grows in heathland, dry sclerophyll forest, and coastal scrub on low-nutrient sandy soils at low to moderate elevations.Suggested Uses
Grown in native, coastal, and low-water gardens on sandy soils, spaced 18-24 inches (45-60 cm) apart, and in containers of free-draining mix. The curling stems are cut for floral arrangements. The species is slow to establish and grows poorly in rich, moist, or heavily fertilized beds.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1'4" - 3'4"
Width/Spread1'4" - 2'8"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun to light shade on free-draining sandy or gravelly soils low in nutrients. Water through establishment; mature clumps tolerate extended drought. Phosphorus-rich fertilizers can damage the roots, so feeding is kept low. The species resprouts from rhizomes after fire. It is slow to establish and intolerant of root disturbance, so container-grown stock is planted with minimal root interference.Pruning
Old stems can be cut back near ground level in late winter to make way for fresh growth. Whole branches are harvested for floristry by cutting at the base. Plants resprout from the rhizome after cutting or fire.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
winter
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons