Weeds of Australia - Fact Sheet

Top Scientific Name Synonyms Family Common Names Origin Naturalised Distribution Notes

Scientific Name

Carex albula Allan

Synonyms

Carex comans Bergg.
Carex comans Bergg. var stricta Cheesem.

Family

Cyperaceae

Common Names

blond sedge, bronze sedge, carex, curly sedge, frosted curls, frosted curls sedge, frosty curl sedge, frosty curls hair sedge, frosty curls sedge, leather leaf sedge, lime-green sedge, New Zealand hair sedge, New Zealand sedge, sedge

Origin

Native to New Zealand.

Naturalised Distribution

This species is sparingly naturalised in Tasmania (i.e. it has been recorded as naturalised in the Hobart area).

Notes

This species is cultivated as a garden ornamental in the temperate regions of Australia, but it is regarded as a potential environmental weed in Tasmania because it has the capacity to invade pastures, native grasslands and woodlands. Within its native range in New Zealand it is also regarded as a significant weed of pastures.

New Zealand hair sedge (Carex albula) may be confused with other New Zealand sedges (i.e. Carex buchananii, Carex flagellifera and Carex testacea) and is also similar to several native species. These species are very difficult to distinguish when not in flower, however New Zealand hair sedge (Carex albula ) can usually be distinguished by its more strongly curled leaves.