Coastal Beaksedge

Rhynchospora pleiantha

Native to:
Cuba, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cyperaceae
Genus:
Rhynchospora
Species:
Rhynchospora pleiantha
USDA Symbol:
RHPL6

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
Bloom Colors:
white, brown

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from rhizomes following fire. Common in fire-maintained wet pine savannas and bogs of the southeastern coastal plain.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, sandy, nutrient-poor soil
pH:
4.5 - 6.0 (acidic to slightly acidic)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers wetland or bog-like conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require moist conditions and light for optimal germination. Sow on surface of wet peat-based medium.