Tropical Beaksedge
Rhynchospora contracta
- Native to:
- Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, French Guiana, Galápagos, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Puerto Rico, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © bajanativa (iNaturalist #101989569)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Rhynchospora
- Species:
- Rhynchospora contracta
- USDA Symbol:
- RHCO19
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 80 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- 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 after fire; benefits from periodic burning to reduce competition in wet pine savannas and bogs.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, sandy, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in wetland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days