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Description
Machaerina Tenax, commonly known as hardy sedge or mat sedge, is a hardy plant that belongs to the Cyperaceae family. This perennial plant is native to the western coast of North America and can be found growing in wetlands, swamps, and marshes. Machaerina Tenax is often used in wetland restoration projects and is a popular plant for water gardens.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Cyperaceae |
| Genus | Machaerina |
| Species | Tenax |
Appearance
Machaerina Tenax is a clumping plant that grows to a height of 2-3 feet and a width of 1-2 feet. The plant has a grass-like appearance with narrow, blade-like leaves that are a bright green color. The leaves are typically 12-18 inches long and 1/4 inch wide. Machaerina Tenax produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are brownish-red in color and appear in late spring or early summer.
Care Guide
Water: Machaerina Tenax prefers moist to wet soil and can tolerate standing water. Water the plant regularly, especially during dry spells.Fertilization: Machaerina Tenax does not require fertilization.Soil: Machaerina Tenax grows best in wet, acidic soils. The plant can tolerate a pH range of 4.5-7.0.Sunlight: Machaerina Tenax prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Machaerina Tenax is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Machaerina Tenax is generally pest and disease-free. However, the plant can be susceptible to fungal diseases in wet conditions.
Habitat
Machaerina Tenax is native to the western coast of North America, from Alaska to California. The plant can be found growing in wetlands, swamps, marshes, and along stream banks. Machaerina Tenax is often used in wetland restoration projects, as it is a hardy plant that can tolerate standing water.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Machaerina Tenax be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Machaerina Tenax can be grown in containers as long as they are kept moist and the plant is not allowed to dry out.
Q: How often should Machaerina Tenax be watered?
A: Machaerina Tenax prefers moist to wet soil and should be watered regularly, especially during dry spells.
Q: What is the best time of year to plant Machaerina Tenax?
A: The best time to plant Machaerina Tenax is in the spring or fall, when temperatures are mild and rainfall is more abundant.
Q: How can I propagate Machaerina Tenax?
A: Machaerina Tenax can be propagated by dividing the clumps in the spring or fall.
Related Plants
- Carex pansa
- Carex stipata
- Juncus effusus
- Scirpus acutus
References
- “Machaerina Tenax.” Plant Database, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=MATE8.
- “Machaerina Tenax.” Oregon State University Extension Service, extension.oregonstate.edu/gardening/techniques/machaerina-tenax.
- “Machaerina Tenax – Plant Finder.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=g560.
