Lepidosperma laterale (variable sword-sedge)

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Lepidosperma spp.

sword-sedges

Cyperaceae Australia and Australasia

Drought Tolerant Container Friendly

SunFull Sun – Part Shade

WaterLow · drought-tolerant

HardinessZones 8–10

Overview

Lepidosperma spp. is a genus of around 80 species of rhizomatous, evergreen sedges in the sedge family, native mainly to Australia with a few species in New Zealand, New Caledonia, and Southeast Asia. Plants form dense clumps or spreading colonies of stiff, erect stems and leaves 0.3-2 m (1-6.5 ft) tall, the flattened or cylindrical blades often sharp-edged, which gives many species the common name sword-sedge. The leaves are usually grey-green to blue-green and rigid. Small brown flower spikelets are clustered in narrow, sometimes branched, terminal heads, followed by hard nut-like seeds with a basal corky appendage. Species grow in heathland, woodland understorey, swamp margins, and coastal dunes, on sandy or peaty soils, and many spread by tough rhizomes. The sharp leaf edges make handling awkward, and vigorous species can spread widely in suitable ground. Species such as L. gladiatum are planted for dune stabilisation and water-wise gardens.

Native Range

Lepidosperma spp. is native mainly to Australia, where it occurs in every state, with additional species in New Zealand, New Caledonia, Borneo, and parts of Southeast Asia. Plants grow in heath, sclerophyll woodland, wetlands, and coastal dunes.

Suggested Uses

Lepidosperma spp. is planted for dune and slope stabilisation, in rain gardens and bog edges, and in native and water-wise plantings. The clumping form suits mass planting and erosion control. The stems and seed support insects and seed-eating birds.

How to Identify

Identify Lepidosperma spp. by its stiff, often sharp-edged, grey-green to blue-green leaves and stems arising from tough rhizomes in dense clumps. The narrow terminal flower heads carry clusters of brown spikelets. The hard nut with a corky basal appendage separates it from true rushes and grasses.

Appearance

Size & Dimensions

Height1' - 6'6"

Width/Spread1' - 4'

Colors

Flower Colors

Foliage Colors

Fall Foliage Colors

Bloom Information

Bloom Period

~6 weeks

Spring Summer

Flowering occurs mainly in spring and summer, around September-January in the native range, when the brown spikelets appear at the stem tips. The flowers are wind-pollinated and inconspicuous. Seed heads persist for some time after flowering.

Detailed Descriptions

Foliage Description

grey-green to blue-green

Growing Conditions

Sun Requirements

SunFull Sun SunPartial Shade

Requires 4-10 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

Soil Requirements

pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)

357912

Soil Types

sand peat

Drainageaverage

Water & Climate

Water Needs

Low

Frost Tolerance

hardy

Time to Maturity

2-3 years

Drought Tolerance

Drought tolerant when established

Care & Maintenance

Care Guide

Lepidosperma spp. grows in full sun to part shade on sandy, peaty, or gravelly soils, tolerating both seasonally wet ground and extended dry periods once established. Many species accept poor, low-nutrient soils and a pH range of about 5.0-7.0. Plants are frost-hardy in mild temperate zones but vary in cold tolerance. They need little water after establishment and spread by rhizomes, which can be contained by planting in defined beds or containers. The sharp leaf margins make division and trimming awkward. Growth is slow to moderate.

Pruning

Old or untidy foliage can be cut back in late winter before new growth, and clumps are trimmed to remove dead leaves. Plants regrow from the rhizome after cutting. Division in spring controls spread and propagates the clump.