Carex pseudocyperus - Cyperus Sedge, Native Pond Marginal Plant

Carex pseudocyperus, known as cyperus sedge, is a UK native sedge with bright yellow-green leaves. In June and July it carries drooping, bristly, finger-shaped flower spikes on arching stems.

Cyperus sedge at a glance

Botanical name	Carex pseudocyperus
Common name	Cyperus sedge
Plant type	Tufted sedge; dies back in winter
Height and spread	About 1–1.5 m tall, 50–100 cm wide
Flowers	Drooping, bristly, yellow-green spikes, June and July
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Wet, poorly drained clay or loam; any pH
Pond depth	Wet mud or very shallow water, with the crown just above the water
Hardiness	RHS H6 – hardy in a very cold winter (-20 to -15°C)
Native to	UK and Ireland (native wild plant)

Where to plant cyperus sedge

The edge of a wildlife pond, with the crown just above the water
Bog gardens and wet ground
Part-shaded spots: in the wild it tolerates shade in alder and willow woods

How to plant and care for it

Plant from spring to late summer in wet soil or a pond basket. It spreads slowly. Cut it back in autumn. It may get aphids or rust.

Is it legal to grow?

Yes. It is not on any restricted list. It is Near Threatened on the Welsh Red List and rare in some counties, so buy nursery-grown plants and never collect it from the wild.

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.