Carex elata Aurea

Carex elata 'Aurea' is a variety of high sedge with interesting golden foliage. The foliage is particularly remarkable in spring, as its sunny colour becomes even more vibrant when the plant is exposed to sunlight. It is a marsh plant that resembles a grass. It forms a flexible and graceful clump of long, slender, slightly arched leaves, from which long stems with fine brown spikes emerge in spring. Its growth dries up in winter, but its hardy stump can withstand severe frost. It can tolerate being submerged under 10cm (4in) of water.

Carex elata belongs to the Cyperaceae family, just like Papyrus. It is native in altitudes of 1500m (4921ft). It is found in very wet places, in more or less stagnant water (lakes, backwaters of rivers, pond edges), often on muddy bottoms covered by less than 30cm (12in) of water.

The 'Aurea' form distinguishes itself with the yellow hue of its foliage, which is particularly pronounced in spring. This sedge forms a dense clump with a rounded and spreading habit, reaching a height of 60 to 70cm (24 to 28in) when flowering, and 40cm (16in) for the foliage. It spreads slowly, occupying up to 40cm (16in) of ground. Its thin and linear leaves show a golden central zone bordered by bright green. They are slightly arched and measure 40 to 60cm (16 to 24in) long and 3 to 5mm (1in) in diameter. From May to June, 3cm (1in) long slender brown spikes appear, perched 60cm (24in) above the ground on thin stems. The green and smooth fruits have a small terminal point. All above-ground vegetation dies in winter and the vegetation restarts in spring.

This carex can be placed in shallow water and wherever the soil tends to be marshy. It is naturally suitable for ornamental ponds, but also for landscaping waterlogged beds, alongside meadowsweet Filipendula ulmaria. For example, combine it with Acorus calamus 'Variegatus' (variegated sweet flag), Caltha palustris (marsh marigold), or a lovely horsetail like Equisetum japonicum. It pairs particularly well with blue hostas in wet soil.

A plant useful for biodiversity: when submerged, the stump of this plant serves as a refuge for small crustaceans, aquatic gastropods, fry and small fish, bryozoans, newts, and frogs. It also hosts numerous microorganisms that are beneficial for water balance.