Sea rush

Sea rush
Image: John Tann
Community type

Reed swamp

Habitat type

Tidal wetlands and macrophytes beds

Sea rush grows in dense tussocks up to 2 metres tall along the banks and shallows of wetlands. It has long leaves and from October to January has clustered reddish-brown flowers up to 20 cm long. Rushes have shallow spreading roots which help bind soil and reduce bank erosion. They, along with other rushes and sedges, provide a filtering service lining the edge of wetlands to trap sediments in runoff, thereby keeping waterways clean. Sea rush also helps to oxygenate the water and sediment of wetland areas by ‘leaking’ excess oxygen through their roots. This, along with their dense structure, makes them an ideal microhabitat for many animals such as spiders, beetles and small birds.

Much of the text within the species area of our website was written by Veronica Thorpe, as part of the Derwent River Wildlife Guide (2000).

The DEP has developed a variety of classroom and outdoor activities, including classroom materials, online resources, interpretive walks, games and sensory experience. These are focused around the key estuary habitats.