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Lepidosperma australe

Southern Sword Sedge, Austral Sword Sedge

Lepidosperma australe is a stiffly upright rush with blue-green foliage. Brown seed heads are borne across the plant during summer. This NZ native, perennial grass typically grows to 1 m tall and 50 cm wide, but can grow to 2 m tall in favourable environments. Lepidosperma australe is commonly added to a mixed planting, mass planted on a bank, used in riparian plantings, or included in wetland areas.

Lepidosperma australe grass growing in a wetland.

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Suited to regions:All regions
Plant type:Grasses
Height:1.00 m
Spread:50 cm
Flowering time:Summer
Tolerances:Coastal, Hardy, Wet
Garden uses:Borders, Living areas, Paths & Steps, Ponds, Pool areas
Garden styles:Alpine, Architectural, Backyard, City & Courtyard, Coastal, Frontyard, Modern, Native, Riparian
Easy to grow?Yes
Maintenance requirementsLow
Growth rateMedium
Also known asSouthern Sword Sedge, Austral Sword Sedge
Sku10123

What growing conditions does Lepidosperma australe prefer?

Lepidosperma australe thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained to seasonally wet soils. It performs well in sandy, loamy, or peaty soils and tolerates poor fertility and coastal conditions. This sedge is well-suited to wetland margins, damp garden spots, and coastal restoration projects. Once established, it is hardy, low-maintenance, and tolerant of light frost, wind, and salt exposure, making it ideal for naturalistic or ecological landscapes.

Questions and Answers

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