Carex alligata
Genus
Carex
Species
alligata
Common Names
- Hawaii sedge
Synonyms
- Carex cristacea
- Carex pluvia
- Carex sandwicensis
Distribution Status
Endemic
Endangered Species Status
No Status
Plant Form / Growth Habit
- Non-Woody, Clumping
Mature Size, Height
- Grass-like, Tall, Greater than or equal to 2.5
Mature Size, Width
1 to 3 feet.
Life Span
Short lived (Less than 5 years)
Landscape Uses
- Ground Cover
- Slope Stabilization
- Container
- Accent
Plant Produces Flowers
Yes
Flower Type
Not Showy
Plant texture
- Coarse
Additional Plant Texture Information
Leaves are 2 to 3 feet long
Leaf Colors
- Dark Green
- Light Green
- Medium Green
Water Requirements
Wet
Light Conditions
- Full sun
- Partial sun
Limitations
Best to divide and replant Hawaiʻi sedge as necessary after 2 to 3 years. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
Natural Zones
- 2000 to 2999, Greater than 100
- 3000 to 3999, Greater than 100
- 4000 to 4999, Greater than 100
Natural Range
- Kauaʻi
- Oʻahu
- Molokaʻi
- Maui
- Hawaiʻi
Additional Growth Environment Information
Hawaiʻi sedge can be found growing in wet forests, along stream banks, and other wet sites in its native habitat.
Special Notes and Information
There are about 2,000 species of Carex worldwide, more than any other genus in the Sedge family or Cyperaceae. Half of the eight species of Carex native to the Hawaiian islands are endemic or naturally found nowhere else.
Early Hawaiian Use:
None of the eight native species appear to have any known Hawaiian names. Certainly the people knew these of interesting sedges and perhaps had uses for them.
Landscape Use
Carex of several species have been used as ornamental additions in landscapes on the mainland for the interesting, sometimes colorful, foliage and seedheads. A few species are now in cultivation in Hawaii.
Similar use in landscape as Oʻahu sedge (Carex wahuensis), except that Hawaiʻi sedge likes more water and grows to 3 feet. [Ethan Romanchak, Native Nursery, LLC]
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