Carex forsteri, commonly known as Bush Sedge, is an evergreen perennial grass native to a variety of habitats in New Zealand, including coastal and lowland forests, grasslands, and alpine regions. It typically grows to a height of 0.5-4 feet (0.2-1.2 meters) and a width of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters), forming dense clumps of arching, fine-textured foliage. The plant features inconspicuous brown flower spikes that appear in spring and are followed by small, triangular seeds. Bush Sedge is valued for its ability to provide year-round greenery and its adaptability to a range of garden settings.

Bush Sedge is utilized in cultivation for its textural contrast and as a ground cover in both residential and commercial landscapes. It is particularly effective in mass plantings, along borders, and in wetland or riparian restoration projects. This sedge thrives in moist, well-drained soils but can tolerate drier conditions once established. It is relatively low maintenance, requiring only occasional trimming to remove old foliage. While generally disease-free, it can be susceptible to rust in humid conditions. Carex forsteri is not known to be invasive and is considered a safe choice for gardens outside its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0