Carex hirta aka Hairy Sedge

Carex hirta, or hairy sedge, is an evergreen perennial in the sedge family, Cyperaceae. It grows across Europe and into Iran, with native populations in North Africa. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Other names include goose grass and hammer sedge. Its habitats include rough grassland, woods, damp meadows, and damp hollows in sand. It also grows along grassy hedge banks.

The plant forms loose tufts of narrow, hairy leaves. Underground rhizomes let it spread beyond the first clump. Garden plants reach about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] tall. Their spread ranges from 0.3–1.6 feet [0.1–0.5 metres]. Plants take two to five years to reach mature size. The leaves stay green through the year. In summer, upright, cylinder-shaped flower clusters rise above the foliage. The flowers have a greenish tint. Small green fruits follow them.

Grow hairy sedge in full sun or partial shade. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soil. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Keep the ground moist; the plant tolerates poor drainage too. Both exposed and sheltered sites can suit it. RHS rates its cold hardiness as H7. This covers severe continental winters below −4°F [−20°C]. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 5–9.

Hairy sedge suits wildlife gardens and wildflower meadows. Plants For A Future also lists woodland edges and bog gardens. Its evergreen leaves give these sites cover through winter. Its spreading habit can cause trouble in garden beds. RHS warns that it can become a garden weed. That warning differs from the PFAF weed listing. RHS reports few usual pest or disease problems. In spring, rake or comb out dead leaves and flowers. Sow seeds in containers in a cold frame in spring. Divide plants in early summer.

Plants For A Future records cooked roots and seeds as edible. It gives the plant a low food-use score. The seeds are small, making them awkward to use. The same source records a diuretic use and a low medicinal-use score. This records a use, rather than proving a treatment works. It also notes that people use the leaves for bedding. PFAF lists no known hazards, but that does not establish safety for every person or pet.