Cyperus aristatus
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
- Frost limit
- −12.2 °C
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 could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. There is some confusion over the correct name of this species, we have shown C. squarrosus as a synonym but it could be the correct name, whilst some botanists say that C. inflexus is the correct name. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Prefers a moist sandy loam.
Propagation
Seed - surface sow in the spring and keep the compost moist. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Grow on for their first winter in a greenhouse and plant them out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Division in spring or autumn. This is more a matter of harvesting the tubers and replanting them. If this is done in the autumn, then it is best to store the tubers in a cool frost-free place overwinter and plant them out in the spring.
Edible uses
Tuber - raw or cooked.
Material uses
The leaves are used for weaving hats, matting etc.
Habitat
Wet places in valleys and lowland all over N. America.
Native range
N. America to S. America. Naturalized in N. Italy.