Florida Whitetop

Rhynchospora floridensis

Native to:
Bahamas, Belize, Mexico, Turks-Caicos Is., United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cyperaceae
Genus:
Rhynchospora
Species:
Rhynchospora floridensis
USDA Symbol:
RHFL2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
90 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
may,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 rhizomes following fire. Common in fire-maintained wet prairies and pine flatwoods.

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:
Prefers wet pine flatwoods and bogs

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require moist conditions and may benefit from cold stratification. Germination can be erratic.