Description
Carex davalliana (Davall’s Sedge) is a compact, tuft‑forming sedge associated with calcareous fens, wet meadows and lime‑rich spring mires. Although rare in the UK today, it remains an important species in European wetland ecology and is valued for specialist habitat creation, conservation planting and peat‑free, low‑input production systems.
Key Features:
Propagation method: Seeds.
Substrate: Jiffy propagation Mix.
Plug Size: 4.5cm.
Production system: Grown without artificial light or heating for hardened plants.
Height: Typically 10–30 cm
Spread: 20–30 cm, forming neat, tufted clumps
Flower Colour: Green‑brown spikelets held above the foliage
Foliage: Fine, narrow, mid‑green leaves; tufted and upright
Flowering Period: Late spring to early summer
Hardiness: Fully hardy in the UK (H7 equivalent)
Growth Habit & Ecology:
Carex davalliana is native to Europe and Türkiye, occurring primarily in calcareous fens and spring-fed wetlands. It is a perennial, tuft‑forming sedge with a compact habit and a preference for stable, lime‑rich, moisture‑retentive soils.
Its ecological niche is well documented in European fen communities, where it appears alongside species such as *Carex hostiana*, *Carex lepidocarpa* and *Eriophorum latifolium*.
Although historically native to Britain, it is now considered extinct in the wild in England, previously recorded only from a single calcareous mire near Bath.
CAREX davalliana are supplied as strong, well-rooted, hardy plug plants ready for potting into pots up-to 2lt formats.
Plant Care:
Keep soil consistently moist; never allow to dry out.
Best in full sun to light shade.
Prefers fens, spring mires and alkaline wetlands
Mulch with leaf mould or compost to maintain moisture.
Remove old foliage in late winter.
Divide clumps every 3–4 years to maintain vigour.
Ideal for wetland planters, bog gardens, fen recreations and conservation projects.
Pollinator Value:
Although wind‑pollinated, it provides:
Habitat structure for wetland invertebrates.
Overwintering cover for micro‑fauna.
Seedheads that support niche insect communities.
Sensory Value:
Fine, upright foliage adds delicate texture.
Soft rustling movement in light breezes.
Works well in sensory wetlands and naturalistic water‑edge designs.
Ecological Value:
Key species in alkaline fen ecosystems.
Supports specialist wetland invertebrates.
Contributes to soil stability in saturated, lime‑rich habitats.
Valuable for habitat restoration and biodiversity‑focused planting.
Commercial Notes:
Carex davalliana is ideal for:
Specialist wetland and fen‑restoration projects.
Conservation nurseries and ecological landscaping.
Retail ranges focused on biodiversity, wetland gardening and climate‑resilient planting.
Collections targeting rare or specialist sedges.
CAREX davalliana are supplied as strong, well-rooted, hardy plug plants ready for potting into pots up-to 2lt formats.
