Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Eleocharis

Species:

Eleocharis melanocarpa

USDA Symbol:

ELME

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

71 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun, jul, aug, sep

Bloom Colors:

brown

Garden & Ecology Notes

Minimum Light:

Part Sun

Best Light:

Full Sun

Habitat:

Wetland, Coastal

Wildlife Value:

birds

Ecology:

A coastal plain disjunct sedge primarily inhabiting wet sandy or peaty shores, coastal plain depression ponds, and pineland savannas. Often proliferates via leafy proliferations produced in the spikelets under fluctuating water levels.

Soil Requirements

Soil:

sandy — also tolerates peaty

pH:

4.5 - 6.0 (acidic)

Drainage:

wet

Moisture:

wet

Notes:

Occurs in acidic, nutrient-poor sands, peaty sands, or mucky organic substrates subject to seasonal flooding and water-table fluctuation.