Carex depauperata Starved Wood-sedge

Carex depuperata fruits
©Tim Wilkins /Plantlife

A grass-like plant with long leaves and a few tall flowering stems with one or two green flowers. Easily mistaken for some common woodland grasses, it grows on light, dry soils on shaded hedgebanks or in woodland; preferring glades, edges of rides or tracks and coppiced areas.

It was never common, but about 15 years ago had declined to one plant in the whole of Britain. Through taking cuttings and collecting seed for replanting, there are now an approximate total of 60 plants, with small groups established in Surrey, and Somerset and Eire.

It is still very much under threat, owing to lack of woodland management; particularly lack of coppicing and loss of rides and glades.

It is classified as Endangered, and protected by Schedule 8 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, as well as other legislation across most of Europe.