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Native Plant Database

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Rhynchospora latifolia (Sandswamp whitetop)
Dunatchik, David

Rhynchospora latifolia (Baldw. ex Ell.) Thomas

Sandswamp whitetop, Sand-swamp whitetop, Whitetop sedge

Cyperaceae (Sedge Family)

Synonyms: Dichromena latifolia

USDA Symbol: rhla7

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Unlike most members of the sedge family, 7-10 conspicuous white leaves (bracts) at the top of this 1-3 ft. grass-like plant enable it to be seen from considerable distances. The bracts surround the terminal, inconspicuous flowers.

 

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Grass/Grass-like
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 1-3 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: White
Bloom Time: Apr , May , Jun , Jul , Aug , Sep

Distribution

USA: AL , FL , GA , LA , MS , NC , OK , SC , TN , TX
Native Distribution: Coastal plain from NC to s.e. TX
Native Habitat: Moist to wet savannas & open places
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Wet
Soil Description: Wet to moist soils.
Conditions Comments: Not Available

Propagation

Description: Not Available
Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Longwood Gardens - Newark, DE

Bibliography

Bibref 996 - Gardening with Native Plants of the South (1994) Wasowski, Sally and Andy Wasowski

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Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

View Recommended Species page

Additional resources

USDA: Find Rhynchospora latifolia in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Rhynchospora latifolia in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Rhynchospora latifolia

Metadata

Record Modified: 2011-04-28
Research By: TWC Staff

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