Quill Beaksedge
Rhynchospora tenuis
- Native to:
- Argentina, Bahamas, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Galápagos, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Suriname, Trinidad-Tobago, United States, Uruguay, Windward Is.
iNaturalist: © leojales (iNaturalist #267264669)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Rhynchospora
- Species:
- Rhynchospora tenuis
- USDA Symbol:
- RHTE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 60 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- brown
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, songbirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts from base following fire; associated with 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 wetland areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with consistent moisture and light exposure on the soil surface.