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(Carex uncinata)
Hawai’I Birdcatching Sedge (Carex uncinata)
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Sunita Singh
Public Domain
Image By:
Sunita Singh
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Sunita Singh | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Sunita Singh | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-25T11:42:25-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Carex uncinata, commonly known as Hawai’i Birdcatching Sedge, is a deciduous perennial sedge, and is native to subalpine and alpine zones in the Pacific Islands, particularly in New Zealand, where it is found in moist, open areas, such as bogs and wet cliffs. It typically grows to a height and width of about 2 feet (0.6 meters). The sedge is characterized by its arching, grass-like leaves and inconspicuous brown flower spikes that appear in summer. The plant’s common name is derived from its seed heads, which can ensnare small insects, although it is not carnivorous.
Carex uncinata is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, rain gardens, and for erosion control on slopes. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its fine-textured foliage that adds a delicate, grassy element to plantings. This sedge prefers consistently moist soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, but can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Carex uncinata is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in water gardens, rain gardens, and for erosion control on slopes. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and its fine-textured foliage that adds a delicate, grassy element to plantings. This sedge prefers consistently moist soils and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. It is not commonly afflicted by serious pests or diseases, but can suffer from root rot if planted in poorly drained soils.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1-1.5 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Border Plant, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Potted Plant, Rock Garden
Natural Habitat
native to subalpine and alpine zones in the Pacific Islands, particularly in New Zealand, where it is found in moist, open areas, such as bogs and wet cliffs
Other Names
Common Names: Hook Grass, Hook Sedge, Bastard Grass, Kamu, Matau-A-Maui
Scientific Names: , Carex uncinata, Uncinia uncinata, Uncinia australis, Uncinia pedicellata, Carex hamosa, Uncinia uncinata var. laxior, Scleria uncinia var. uliginosa, Uncinia alopecuroides, Uncinia bractata
GBIF Accepted Name: Carex uncinata L.f.