Loosehead Beaksedge
Rhynchospora chalarocephala
- Native to:
- United States
Matt Berger & Qwertygiy





Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Rhynchospora
- Species:
- Rhynchospora chalarocephala
- USDA Symbol:
- RHCH2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- may,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 base following fire; fire maintains open wetland habitats preferred by this species.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- Common in wetland areas with poor soil fertility.
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–60 days
- Notes:
- Requires moist to wet conditions and light for germination. Seeds may exhibit erratic germination.