Cladium mariscus - Saw Grass

Family:	Cyperaceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	3
Width:	3
Synonyms:	C. jamaicense. Mariscus mariscus.
Range:	Widely distributed in the warmer and damper parts of both hemispheres, including Britain.

Cladium mariscus (Saw Grass) is a Perennial which grows to a height of 3m and a width of 3m . It has a fast growth rate. It has a hardness rating of 3.
Saw Grass will flower in January to February. the seeds ripen from February to March
The flowers from this plant are hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and they are pollinated by Wind

Soil Information

Saw Grass will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Saw Grass prefers soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Saw Grass can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Reed swamps and fens, usually on neutral or alkaline soils[17].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• A bog garden plant

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in any wet or moisture-retentive soil in full sun or partial shade[200].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
The young shoots may be edible[177].

• Leaves -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe in a pot standing in 2cm of water[200]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring[200].

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

The stems are used in thatching[61]. The roots have been used to make small baskets[257].

• Basketry - Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
• Thatching - Used for making thatched roofs.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of the British Isles.
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Author: Clapham, Tootin and Warburg.
Rating:
Publisher : A very comprehensive flora, the standard reference book but it has no pictures.
Date of Publication : 1962

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

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