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Saw Grass

Cladium mariscusfam. Cyperaceae
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Cladium mariscus (Saw Grass) — botanical photograph
Pl. C31B — Cladium mariscus
Cladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscusCladium mariscus
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Overview

Saw Grass, scientifically known as Cladium mariscus, is a perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. Native to Suriname, this grass thrives in moist to wet environments and can adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 3 meters tall. The leaves of Saw Grass are edible and can be used in various culinary applications, often prepared by boiling to enhance their palatability. This plant is native to Suriname but has been introduced to numerous regions worldwide, including Alabama, Algeria, Argentina, and many others, making it a versatile addition to gardens and landscapes. Its ability to grow in a range of conditions and soil types, along with its edible leaves, makes it a valuable plant for both ornamental and culinary purposes.

Quick answers

What is Saw Grass?

Saw Grass, scientifically known as Cladium mariscus, is a perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. Native to Suriname, this grass thrives in moist to wet environments and can adapt to various soil types, including light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils.

Compare with:Carex brizoides→Carex dispalata→Cyperus aristatus→all comparisons →
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Saw Grass (Cladium mariscus) thrives in full to partial sun and requires moist to wet soil, making it suitable for areas with high humidity. It prefers light, medium, or heavy soil types and grows to a height of 3 meters. Hardy in temperate regions, it is a perennial that can be propagated by division. The edible parts are the leaves, which can be harvested for use. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist to support healthy growth.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Moist, Wet
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
3-7
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
3.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Saw Grass for the first time

7steps

Start with saw grass as a simple, low-maintenance perennial for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    A saw grass plant or seeds, a container or garden bed, and basic gardening tools.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant in spring when the soil is moist and warm.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Ensure the soil is light (sandy), medium, or heavy with good drainage. For containers, use a mix of peat moss, perlite, and compost.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant saw grass from a nursery pot into your garden bed or container. Space plants 1-2 meters apart for full growth.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid direct sunlight during this period.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun to partial shade, and ensure consistent moisture. Prune dead leaves as needed for a tidy appearance.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune saw grass in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges.

VI

Edible & utility

Edible parts:Leaves
Edible uses: The leaves of Saw Grass (Cladium mariscus) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often prepared by boiling to make them more palatable. In Suriname, where the plant is native, locals may use the leaves in various dishes, though specific recipes are not provided here.
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

125 native · 161 introduced
Distribution across5 continents· 125 native· 161 introduced
Europe50 regions
native (25)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
introduced (25)AlbaniaAustriaBelarusBelgiumBulgariaCyprusDenmarkFinlandFranceGermanyGreeceHungaryIrelandItalyNetherlandsNorwayPolandPortugalRomaniaRussiaSpainSwedenSwitzerlandUkraineUnited Kingdom
Asia31 regions
native (15)ChinaGeorgiaIranIraqJapanKazakhstanNepalOmanPalestineSaudi ArabiaSouth KoreaTaiwanTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
introduced (16)ChinaGeorgiaIranIraqJapanKazakhstanMaldivesNepalOmanPalestineSaudi ArabiaSouth KoreaTaiwanTurkeyTurkmenistanUzbekistan
Americas36 regions
native (18)BahamasBelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicGuatemalaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoSurinameUruguayVenezuela
introduced (18)BahamasBelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicGuatemalaHaitiHondurasJamaicaNicaraguaParaguayPeruPuerto RicoUnited StatesUruguayVenezuela
Africa30 regions
native (6)AlgeriaChadEgyptLibyaMoroccoTunisia
introduced (24)AlgeriaAngolaBotswanaBurundiCabo VerdeCameroonChadEgyptEthiopiaKenyaLibyaMadagascarMauritiusMoroccoMozambiqueNamibiaNigeriaRwandaSenegalTanzaniaTunisiaUgandaZambiaZimbabwe
Oceania3 regions
native (1)New Caledonia
introduced (2)New CaledoniaVanuatu
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, Bermuda, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, California, Cayman Is., Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Florida, Hainan, Kirgizstan, Kriti, Lebanon-Syria, Leeward Is., Louisiana, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Mississippi, Nansei-shoto, Nevada, New Mexico, New South Wales, North Carolina, Ogasawara-shoto, Panamá, Queensland, South Australia, South Carolina, Texas, Transcaucasus, Turkey-in-Europe, Turks-Caicos Is., Utah, Victoria, Virginia, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Windward Is., Yugoslavia
introduced:Alabama, Argentina Northeast, Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Arkansas, Baltic States, Bermuda, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil Southeast, California, Cape Provinces, Cayman Is., Cook Is., Czechoslovakia, East Aegean Is., Florida, Hainan, Kirgizstan, Kriti, KwaZulu-Natal, Lebanon-Syria, Leeward Is., Lesser Sunda Is., Louisiana, Maluku, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southeast, Mexico Southwest, Mississippi, Nansei-shoto, Nevada, New Guinea, New Mexico, New South Wales, North Carolina, Northern Provinces, Ogasawara-shoto, Panamá, Queensland, Society Is., Socotra, Solomon Is., South Australia, South Carolina, Sumatera, Tasmania, Texas, Transcaucasus, Tuamotu, Tubuai Is., Turkey-in-Europe, Turks-Caicos Is., Utah, Victoria, Virginia, West Himalaya, Western Australia, Windward Is., Yugoslavia, Zaïre
IX

Specimen gallery

1 image
Cladium mariscus (Saw Grass) — botanical photograph
Saw Grass (Cladium mariscus)
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See also

8 related
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Explore further

Companion planting
Growing zone
XII

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