slender wine sedge
Carex tenuiculmis | slender wine sedge
An ornamental sedge valued for its striking red-bronze foliage, which forms a graceful, arching clump. Typically growing to around 75 cm tall and 50 cm wide, it prefers full sun and moist to boggy soils. This species is well suited to planting around ponds and streams, within wetland and riparian plantings, or mass-planted as groundcover on banks. It also performs well in borders, mixed plantings, or containers. Mass planting creates the strongest visual impact and best showcases its colour and form. While Carex tenuiculmis can tolerate short periods of dryness, it performs best in consistently moist conditions and will not thrive in dry sites.
typical habitat.
streamsides
lake margin
wetland
drainage.
wet
moist
sun.
full sun
partial shade
mature specifications.
height | 75cm
width | 50cm
pollinators calendar.
flowering | November–December
fruiting | January–May
did you know?
Once thought to be seriously threatened, more detailed surveys have identified additional populations across its range, with many occurring in relatively secure habitats. The species is now understood to be naturally uncommon, typically present as a sparse or minor component of wetland systems, though it can be locally abundant in suitable conditions. Some populations remain vulnerable, particularly in northern Canterbury, where ongoing development poses a greater risk.