Ficinia nodosa
knobby clubrush
Southern Australia, New Zealand, and southern Africa
Overview
Ficinia nodosa, knobby clubrush, is an evergreen, rush-like sedge that forms dense, rounded tussocks 0.3-1 m (1-3 ft) tall and 0.3-0.6 m (1-2 ft) wide. The wiry, cylindrical green stems are erect and somewhat stiff, with leaves reduced to sheaths at the base. The flower and seed heads are dense, globular brown clusters set to one side near the stem tip, where a bract continues beyond the head and gives the appearance of a knob on the stem. It grows on coastal dunes, sandy flats, salt marsh margins, and damp inland sites across southern Australia, New Zealand, and southern Africa. The plant tolerates salt spray, sandy and saline soils, drought, and periods of waterlogging. Growth is densest in full sun, and clumps thin and open out in heavy shade. It spreads slowly outward from the clump and self-seeds on bare, moist ground.
Native Range
Native to southern Australia, New Zealand, and southern Africa, growing on coastal dunes, sandy flats, salt marsh edges, and damp inland sites. It is widespread along the southern Australian coast.Suggested Uses
Grown for coastal and dune revegetation, erosion control, and salt-tolerant landscaping. Used in mass plantings, rain gardens, swales, and containers. Suited to low-maintenance native, coastal, and contemporary gardens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 3'3"
Width/Spread1' - 2'
Bloom Information
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 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 a wide range of soils including sand, loam, and saline coastal ground. Established clumps tolerate extended drought, salt spray, and periods of wet soil, needing little or no supplementary water. Growth stays densest in open, sunny positions and opens up in shade. Frost is tolerated, and the evergreen clumps hold their form through winter. No feeding is needed in open ground. Clumps can be lifted and divided to make new plants.Pruning
Old or untidy clumps can be cut back hard to near ground level in late winter to refresh the growth. Trimming is not required for health and is done for appearance. Dividing congested clumps keeps them vigorous.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons