Carex appressa [Cyperaceae]; Tall sedgeA widespread sedge typically associated with wetter areas of the east coast from Victoria to Queensland. It assumes a densely tufted form of fine leaves about one metre tall and wide. It is an excellent and rather elegant ‘grass’ with a soft appearance when planted en masse. Although an extremely hardy plant in most situations it does typically perform best in high light, while growing more thinly and less upright in shaded situations, and prefers moisture.
However, there is something important to consider when using this plant, which is not well described in books or online. It has an ability to cause irritation through skin contact with its foliage, which usually appears as a rash. Although this plant appears to affect people differently, we now always ensure to position it well away from any areas in frequent use by people, such as near the edge of garden beds.
