Little Beaksedge
Rhynchospora berteroi
Also known as: Fairy Beaksedge
- Native to:
- Belize, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Puerto Rico, United States, Virgin Islands
University of Kansas, Biodiversity Institute and Natural History Museum
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Rhynchospora
- Species:
- Rhynchospora berteroi
- USDA Symbol:
- RHBE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- white, brown
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, waterfowl
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from base after fire; typical of wet pine savanna sedges that tolerate periodic burning.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, nutrient-rich, organic soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetlands and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds may germinate erratically; moist stratification and consistent moisture improve germination rates.