Carex virgata, commonly known as Swamp Sedge, is an evergreen perennial grass native to wetlands, swamps, and riparian areas in New Zealand. It typically grows to a height of 3 feet (0.9 meters) and a width of 2-3 feet (0.6-0.9 meters). Swamp Sedge has a tufted habit with bright green, narrow, and arching leaves that contribute to its grassy appearance. This sedge is not known for showy flowers, but it does produce brownish flower spikes in the spring which add a subtle textural interest to the plant.

Swamp Sedge is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions, making it an excellent choice for rain gardens, water features, and areas with poor drainage. It is also used for erosion control along stream banks and in wetland restoration projects. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils. While it is generally low maintenance, it can spread in ideal conditions and may require division to manage its growth. Swamp Sedge is relatively disease-free but can be affected by rust in some conditions. It is not known to be invasive outside its native range and is a beneficial plant for creating naturalistic landscapes.CC BY-SA 4.0