sea sedge
Carex litorosa | sea sedge
An endangered coastal sedge forming dense, low clumps of reddish-green foliage with distinctive curly-tipped leaves. The fine, grass-like leaves create a compact, textured sward that is evergreen and visually striking, particularly in exposed coastal settings. Adapted to saline conditions, it thrives in full sun on damp to very wet sites, including heavy or loamy soils, and tolerates wind, frost, and coastal exposure. Highly effective for erosion control and water filtration, it is well suited to riparian margins, wet coastal hollows, and revegetation projects where restoring rare and declining coastal species is a priority.
typical habitat.
salt marshes
estauries
brackish streams
drainage.
wet
moist
well drained
sun.
full sun
mature specifications.
height | 60cm
width | 50cm
pollinators calendar.
flowering | October–December
fruiting | December–April (but seedheads long persistent)
did you know?
This species is threatened by coastal habitat loss from development, with weed encroachment a major pressure, particularly in the North Island. Invasive plants such as spartina, tall fescue, and Carex divisa outcompete it, reducing available habitat and accelerating its decline.