tataki

Carex trifida | mutton-bird sedge, tataki

 

A bold, wide-leaved sedge forming large, arching clumps with strong texture and presence. The dark to pale green foliage creates a dramatic tussock form that provides year-round structure and excellent cover for wildlife. Long-lived and highly resilient, it performs well in tough, exposed conditions. Naturally suited to coastal and wetland environments, it grows extremely fast in damp soils and is ideal for marshy ground, pond edges, stream margins, and swales. Thriving in moist soil in sun to partial shade, it works well in large groupings, alongside other native species, or as a structural accent within mixed borders.

coastal scrub

moist

well drained

full sun

partial shade

height | 80cm

width | 1m

flowering | August–December

fruiting | November–June

This sedge is strictly coastal and is often associated with seal haul-outs and seabird nesting areas, particularly muttonbirds (Puffinus species), from which its common name is derived. It typically grows in open coastal sites and is only rarely found within gaps in coastal forest canopy.