Carex kobomugi
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Cyperaceae
- Genus
- Carex
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Height
- 0.2 m
- Fertility
- Wind
- Flower type
- monoecious
- Pollinators
- Wind
Uses
Edible uses
Root - cooked[3]. Seed[3]. An emergency food, used when all else fails[4]. The seed is very small and would be fiddly to use[K].
- Plant part
- Root
- Plant part
- Seed
Environment
- Range
- E. Asia - Japan, Korea, Manchuria.
- Habitat
- Sand dunes along the seacoast all over Japan[7].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- high
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy, clay
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Tolerances
- high wind, maritime exposure
- Wind
- Yes
- Maritime
- Yes
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
Seed - sow in situ in the spring in a moist soil in light shade. If seed is in short supply it can be sown in a cold frame and be planted out in the summer. The seed usually germinates in 2 - 6 weeks at 15°c[1]. Division in spring[5]. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the summer or following spring.
Cultivation
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in most parts of this country. It is likely to tolerate maritime exposure[K]. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a damp to wet soil in full sun or shade[2][5]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[6].
References
Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan. 1989-00-00
Grounds. R. Ornamental Grasses. Christopher Helm 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-7470-1219-9
Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.
Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8
Ohwi. G. Flora of Japan. (English translation) Smithsonian Institution 1965-00-00