Quick Facts

Quick facts

• Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge (Carex flagellifera) is a smallish grass-like sedge, growing to 35–75 cm tall, with very elongated flowering stems that form tangled heaps on the ground.
• It is planted in gardens.
• It has the potential to be a weed here through the spread of seed and rhizomes.
• It is a weed in parts of its native New Zealand.
• Identification of this and the many other Carex species (native and naturalised) is difficult and best done at a herbarium.

What Does It Look Like?

What is it?

Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge (Carex flagellifera) is a densely tufted grass-like perennial sedge, growing to 35–75 cm tall, but the stems can elongate to 180 cm when fruiting and form tangled heaps on the ground. The stems and leaves of this species are red to green in colour, but are most commonly reddish-brown or brown.

Its flower head is made up of 4–8 cylindrical stalked clusters of tiny flowers (spikes) spread out along the inflorescence (flower structure) axis; the uppermost one to three spikes are slender and have only male flowers, while the lower spikes are female and are 1.5–4 cm long. The female flowers have a two-branched style.

The fruit (nut) is less than 1.5 mm long, two-faced (more or less biconvex, that is having two convex surfaces, in cross section), egg-shaped to oblong in outline and dark brown (Edgar 1980; Navie 2004).

The common name 'New Zealand Sedge' is used for several species of Carex introduced to Australia from New Zealand.

For further information and assistance with identification of Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge, contact the herbarium in your state or territory.

Flower colour

Brown

Growth form (weed type/habit)

Herb

Where it currently grows? Preferred habitat

Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge grows in temperate regions, in drier but seasonally damp areas such as low-lying pastures, damp roadsides and clearings in eucalypt forest (Healy & Edgar 1980; Curtis & Morris 1994; Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001).

Are there similar species?

Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge can be distinguished from most species of sedges by its elongated flowering stems that can reach up to 1.8 m in length and often trail along the ground. Another New Zealand species, Carex testacea, has elongated stems, but differs in leaf and spikelet features (Healey & Edgar 1980). The Australian native Bergalia Tussock (C. longebrachiata) also has very long flowering stems, but it is a much more robust species and has three- rather than two-branched styles in the female flowers.

It is best to consult a herbarium to confirm identifications because of the difficulty of distinguishing the many Carex species (both native and naturalised), especially in south-eastern Australia. (Healy & Edgar 1980; Wilson 2008 pers. comm.).

Why Is It A Weed?

What are its impacts?

Agriculture: Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge is locally significant as a pasture weed in New Zealand, where it can be troublesome in grassland, at times forming communities and out-competing other species, but is not yet a serious weed in Australia (Healy & Edgar 1980; Richardson et al. 2006; Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water 2007).

How does it spread?

Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge reproduces by seed and by creeping underground stems (rhizomes). The seeds float and can be transported by water (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001; Navie 2004). Seeds may also be spread by birds or other animals when eaten or caught in mud on their bodies (Wilson 2008 pers. comm.). There is potential for Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge to be spread through horticulture, as an escapee from gardens and landscape plantings, and possibly by road works (Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water 2007).

What is its history in Australia?

Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge was introduced to Tasmania and planted for its ornamental appeal a few decades ago (Wilson pers. comm. 2008). It is popular for its often brightly coloured leaves (Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water 2007).

How To Manage It?

Best practice management

Control measures aimed at eradicating existing infestations and preventing future occurrences of Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge are outlined in a management plan by the Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water (2007).

Non-chemical control: Physical control: Physical removal is recommended where only scattered plants occur.

Chemical control: Sedges are generally susceptible to some herbicides (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001).

See the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority for chemical information http://www.apvma.gov.au 

Does it have a biological control agent?

NO

When does it grow? (lifecycle/growth calendar)

Flowering occurs mostly during summer (Navie 2004). In general, sedges germinate at any time and plants do not flower until at least two years old (Parsons & Cuthbertson 2001).

Where Is It Found?

Which states and territories is it found?

TAS

What areas within states and territories is it found?

Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge has been recorded as naturalised from several localities on the east coast and southwest of Tasmania in the last few decades (Curtis & Morris 1994; Tasmanian Department of Primary Industries and Water 2007; Wilson pers. comm. 2008).

Where does it originate?

Weeping Brown New Zealand Sedge is native to New Zealand, widespread on both main islands from sea level to 1100 m altitude (Healy & Edgar 1980).

National And State Weed Listings

Is it a Weed of National Significance (WONS)?

NO

Where is it a declared weed?

TAS, WA

Government weed strategies and lists – Weeds Australia

Is it on the National Alert List for Environmental Weeds?

NO

Government weed strategies and lists – Weeds Australia

Is it on the Agricultural Sleeper List?

NO

Government weed strategies and lists – Weeds Australia

Names And Taxonomy

Main scientific name

Carex flagellifera

Other scientific names (synonyms)?

Does it have other known common name(s)?

New Zealand Sedge, Orange Coloured Sedge, Brown Tussock, Bronze Hair Sedge, Trip-me-up (New Zealand), Glen Murray Tussock (New Zealand)