Carex acuta - Slender Tufted Sedge, Native Pond Marginal Plant

Carex acuta (also known as Carex gracilis), slender tufted sedge, is a tall UK native sedge with long, narrow, bluish-grey leaves and sharply three-angled stems. In late spring and summer it carries brown to blackish flower spikes. It is a different plant from lesser pond sedge, Carex acutiformis.

Slender tufted sedge at a glance

Botanical name	Carex acuta (syn. Carex gracilis)
Common name	Slender tufted sedge
Plant type	Tufted sedge with creeping roots; dies back in autumn
Height and spread	About 90 cm–1 m tall, spreading about 1 m
Flowers	Brown to blackish spikes in late spring and summer
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Damp to boggy, fertile soil or shallow water
Pond depth	0–15 cm of water
Hardiness	Fully hardy (RHS Plants shop; no RHS H-rating found)
Native to	UK and Ireland (native)

Is it suitable for a small pond?

It is better in larger ponds. The RHS Plants shop says it is fast-growing with an invasive tendency, and its roots creep a long way. In smaller ponds, keep it in a basket no deeper than 15 cm.

Where to plant it

The margins of larger wildlife ponds, up to 15 cm deep
Wet ground beside rivers and streams
Damp, lightly shaded spots, including under waterside trees

Is it poisonous?

The RHS Plants shop lists it as toxic if eaten and as a skin and eye irritant, so wear gloves when handling it.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.