Isolepsis Cernua - Fiber Optic Grass - Low Bulrush
Fiber optic grass is a very interesting plant (although it's not really grass) that most people acquire because of its unusual appearance. Isolepis cernua (= Scirpus cernuus), comes from the sedge family (Cyperaceae), is a variable evergreen species with a mop-like tuft of delicate green stems. It is found in humid places, grows as a marginal aquatic plant, or in sandy or peat areas near the sea in its native range of western and southern Europe, the British Isles, North Africa, on the west coast of North America (from California to British Columbia and Alaska) and Australia and New Zealand.
This light green, grass-like plant has small inflorescences at the ends of the stems, reminiscent of the well-known fiber optic lamps, hence their common name. These are easy-to-grow plants that grow upright as young plants, and then fall gracefully as they mature. Clumps of thin, shiny, hair-shaped leaves can be up to 25-30 cm long. Leaves may turn yellow when the temperature drops in fall or turn brown if the plant does not receive enough moisture.
Tiny flowers appear at the tip of each leaf. The terminal cone-shaped inflorescences are initially white or silver in color, but eventually turn yellow or brown. Plants bloom all year round. I. cernua is a delicate perennial (zones 8-11), usually grown as an annual in cold climates, but can be kept as a houseplant in a sunny window or greenhouse throughout the winter. Fiber optic grass grows best in full sun with plenty of moisture. It can be planted in containers, in the ground or stored in a water garden or pond.
This auction is for 5 fresh seeds.