Japanese sedge
Carex kobomugi
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Pl. 0F4D — Carex kobomugi
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IOverview
Overview
Japanese sedge (Carex kobomugi) is a perennial graminoid native to regions including China North-Central and Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Qinghai, and Sakhalin. This plant thrives in moist to wet conditions with light soil types—sandy, medium, or clay—and prefers full sun to partial shade. It is known for its edible parts, specifically the root and seed, making it a valuable resource in certain areas. Japanese sedge can grow up to 0.2 meters tall and has adapted well to a pH range of 5.7 to 7. Its light requirements and soil preferences make it suitable for cultivation in environments with similar conditions.
Quick answers
What is Japanese sedge?
Japanese sedge (Carex kobomugi) is a perennial graminoid native to regions including China North-Central and Southeast, Japan, Korea, Manchuria, Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Qinghai, and Sakhalin.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Japanese sedge thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist or wet conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH between 5.7 and 7. This perennial is hardy in zones 6-8 and reaches a height of about 0.2 meters. For propagation, division or seed sowing can be used. Harvest the root and seeds for edible purposes.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
6-8
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Graminoid
Mature size
0.2 m tall
Soil pH
5.7–7
For first-time growers
How to grow Japanese sedge for the first time
8steps
Start with Japanese sedge to add a low-maintenance, attractive plant to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Japanese sedge plants or seeds, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Japanese sedge in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH between 5.7 and 7. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nurseries, or sow seeds directly in the garden after danger of frost is past.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight for a week.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide partial sun and regular watering, especially during dry spells. Divide plants every 3-4 years.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune dead foliage to maintain appearance but avoid cutting into the main stem.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in full sun, neglecting to divide overcrowded plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:RootSeed
Edible uses: The Japanese sedge is edible and its root and seeds can be consumed. Roots are typically dug and eaten raw or cooked, while seeds can be harvested and ground into flour for various uses in cooking. Skip the preparation details to maintain brevity.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
10 native · 8 introduced
Distribution
10 native · 8 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 10 native· 8 introduced
Asia4 regions
native (4)ChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwan
Broader regions
native:Nansei-shoto, Primorye, Sakhalin
introduced:Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode I., Virginia, Delaware
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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