Tall Sawsedge
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(Gahnia clarkei)
Tall Sawsedge (Gahnia clarkei)
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© Scott W. Gavins
CC BY 4.0
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© Scott W. Gavins
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: © Scott W. Gavins | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Uploader: scottwgavins | Publisher: iNaturalist |
Summary
Gahnia clarkei, commonly known as Tall Sawsedge, is an evergreen perennial herb native to wet heathlands, sedge swamps, and forest margins in Australia, particularly in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. It typically grows to a height of 4 to 6 feet (1.2 to 1.8 meters) and forms dense tussocks of long, narrow, and sharply serrated leaves that can cut skin if handled without care. The plant produces large, black to brownish inflorescences that are quite showy, with flowering occurring mainly in spring and summer. The flowers give way to heads that produce small, glossy red seeds, which are a notable feature of the plant.
Tall Sawsedge is valued for its textural contrast in gardens and landscapes, and its ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it suitable for planting in riparian zones, bog gardens, and areas with poor drainage. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil. It is generally low-maintenance. In cultivation, it is often used for erosion control and as a habitat plant for native fauna.CC BY-SA 4.0
Tall Sawsedge is valued for its textural contrast in gardens and landscapes, and its ability to thrive in wet conditions makes it suitable for planting in riparian zones, bog gardens, and areas with poor drainage. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil. It is generally low-maintenance. In cultivation, it is often used for erosion control and as a habitat plant for native fauna.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 3-6 feet
- Width: 2-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Slow
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Low Maintenance, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Wet heathlands, sedge swamps, and forest margins in Australia
Other Names
Common Names:
Scientific Names: Gahnia clarkei
GBIF Accepted Name: Gahnia clarkei