Kunth's Beaksedge

Rhynchospora kunthii

Native to:
Colombia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Mexico, Panamá, Peru

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cyperaceae
Genus:
Rhynchospora
Species:
Rhynchospora kunthii
USDA Symbol:
RHKU

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; typical of wet pine savanna and bog margin sedges that experience periodic burns.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, well-drained sandy loam
pH:
5.0 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers wetland or marshy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–42 days
Notes:
Seeds require moist conditions and may benefit from cold-moist stratification. Surface sow as light may aid germination.