Loosehead Beaksedge

Rhynchospora chalarocephala

Native to:
United States

📍 View on iNaturalist →

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.