New Zealand hair sedge is an herbaceous perennial in the sedge family (Cyperaceae) native to New Zealand, where it is found growing in pastures and along roadsides. It grows in a weeping clump 1 to 2 feet tall and wide with very fine leaves that look like hair or a mop. The species epithet is Latin for “having a tufted or hair-like crown” and highlights this plant’s remarkable form. Plant in full sun to partial shade. Soils should be moist, rich in organic material, and well-draining, though it will tolerate some drought once established. If pruning becomes necessary to maintain an attractive appearance, do so in late winter or early spring and leave at least 5 inches of growth. Propagate this plant by dividing it in spring or through seeds. The flowers are insignificant, as this plant is grown for its interesting leaves. Plant it along streambanks or pond margins, en masse or in small groups along slopes or in large containers where the drooping foliage can be admired. It self-seeds and naturalizes easily and can be used for winter interest in a meadow garden or woodland edge. Use it to line a walkway or in the front of a border or tucked between rocks in a rock garden. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No serious problems. More information on Carex .
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.
Ground Cover; Herbaceous Perennial; Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
Life cycle
Perennial
USDA zones
7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Light
Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) | Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
Soil texture
Clay; High Organic Matter; Loam (Silt); Sand
Soil drainage
Good Drainage | Moist
NC region
Coastal; Mountains; Piedmont
Mature size
Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in. | Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
Maintenance
Medium
Canopy layer
4 - Herbaceous (1-3 ft)
Form & Appearance
Habit / form
Clumping; Dense; Weeping
Texture
Fine
Foliage
Broadleaf Evergreen
Leaf color
Brown/Copper; Green; Red/Burgundy
Leaf type
Sheath
Leaf arrangement
Other/more complex; Rosulate
Leaf shape
Filiform
Leaf size
> 6 inches long, < 1 inch wide
Hairs present
No
Leaf detail
Sharp-margined, very narrow 1/16 of an inch wide and 12 to 12 inches; long pale green to bronze with brown purple lower sheaths
Flower form
Insignificant; Spike
Flower detail
Flowers late spring to early summer, male flowers are in terminal while female flowers are in lateral spikles. Insignificant, this plant is grown for its interesting leaves.
Bloom time
Spring; Summer
Stem detail
Triangular stems
Wildlife & Ecology
Native status
Unknown
Origin
New Zealand
Wildlife value
This plant supports various Satyr larvae.
Attracts
Butterflies; Pollinators
Landscape Use
Landscape location
Container; Pond; Riparian; Slope/Bank; Walkways
Landscape theme
Butterfly Garden; Drought Tolerant Garden; Pollinator Garden; Rock Garden; Water Garden