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rautahi

foliage palette

Carex geminata | cutty grass, rautahi

 

A robust  sedge with a wide, spreading habit, rautahi is characteristic of wetlands and slow-flowing waterways. It spreads by creeping rhizomes to form dense, mat-like cover of fine, sharp-edged green leaves that remain evergreen year-round. Common along stream margins and in boggy soils, it helps stabilise banks, filter nutrients, and create valuable habitat for invertebrates. Thriving with its roots wet, rautahi is well suited to swamps, stream edges, and restoration planting. Its dense root system binds soil, reduces erosion, and supports insects, birds, and aquatic life. Low maintenance once established.

  • typical habitat.

    swamp forest

    streamsides

    wetland

    lake margin

    bog margin

  • drainage.

    wet

    moist

  • sun.

    full sun

    partial shade

  • mature specifications.

    height | 1m

    width | 1m

  • pollinators calendar.

    flowering | (September)–October–November–(December)

    fruiting | October–March

  • did you know?

    Carex geminata is commonly known as 'cutty grass' because its leaves have razor-sharp, scabrid (rough) edges that can easily cut unwary hands or skin 

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