Red-fruit saw-sedge (Gahnia sieberiana)

When it flowers

January, flowering
February, not flowering
March, not flowering
April, not flowering
May, not flowering
June, not flowering
July, not flowering
August, not flowering
September, not flowering
October, flowering
November, flowering
December, flowering

2 metre tall swamp plant West Head Road, Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park. Possibly Gahnia sieberiana. Photo: Poyt448 Peter Woodard, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Probably Gahnia sieberiana, with a nut which is bluntly 3 angular. Wog Wog, Morton National Park, NSW Australia, April 2013.. Photo: John Tann from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Gahnia sieberiana grows in damp places - like a swamp. Dharawal Nature Reserve, NSW Australia, March 2009.. Photo: John Tann from Sydney, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

1 of 3

Large sedge with razor-edged leaves and shiny red seeds, food for sword-grass brown butterflies.

A big, dense clump from moist forest and swamps. Its long, saw-edged leaves are best kept away from paths, but its dark flower heads and glossy red seeds are striking, and it is a larval food plant for several butterflies.

In the garden

Feature plant
Screening
Pond and bog edges

Flowers: Tall, dark brown flower heads followed by glossy red seeds.
Leaves: Long, stiff, arching leaves with saw-toothed, very sharp edges.
Attracts: Birds, butterflies and shelter for small wildlife

Growing conditions

Climate: Subtropical and temperate
Light: Full sun to full shade
Soil: Sandy, loam and clay
Drainage: Copes with waterlogging
Frost: Moderate frost
Water: Some dry spells

Planting and care

Grown from: Seed and division

Planting

Sun to shade in moist soil. Allow 1.5 m; plant away from paths and play areas.

Pruning

Remove dead leaves with gloves on. Doesn't need cutting back.

Care

Keep moist, especially while establishing; slow to settle in.

Safety

Prickly or spiny

Leaf edges are razor sharp. Wear thick gloves and long sleeves, and keep it away from paths.

Where it comes from

Family: Cyperaceae
Order: Poales
Native to: New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria
Natural range: Swamps, creeks and moist forest of eastern Australia, from Queensland to Tasmania and South Australia.

Specialist native nurseries.

We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.

Help improve this page

Spotted a mistake, or know something we don't? Everything is checked by a moderator before it goes live.

Suggest changes Add a photo Change history

Red-fruit saw-sedge Gahnia sieberiana