Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Rhynchospora

Species:

Rhynchospora caduca

USDA Symbol:

RHCA9

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

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 rhizomes following fire. Common in fire-maintained pine savannas and wet prairies.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

wet, nutrient-poor, sandy or peaty soil

pH:

4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist to saturated

Notes:

commonly found in wetlands and bogs

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–42 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best with consistent moisture and light exposure. Cold stratification improves germination rates.