Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Rhynchospora

Species:

Rhynchospora racemosa

USDA Symbol:

RHRA3

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:

waterfowl, shorebirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rhizomes following fire; occurs in fire-maintained wet pine savannas and bogs.

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:

commonly found in coastal dunes and sandy wetlands

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–60 days

Notes:

Requires moist to wet conditions and cool temperatures for best germination. Seeds may germinate erratically.