Rhynchospora inexpansa (Michaux) Vahl. Common name: Nodding Beaksedge. Phenology: Jul-Sep. Habitat: Wet pine savannas, streamhead pocosins where frequently burned, usually in peaty situations, often weedy, colonizing disturbances. Distribution: Se. VA south to ne. FL, FL Panhandle, and west to e. TX, AR, and se. OK (Singhurst, Mink, & Holmes 2012); reported for West Indies.
ID notes: Rhynchospora inexpansa is often noticed because it may form large and dense colonies. Individual stems are normally 5-11 dm tall, but the upper halves of the stems almost always arch over, causing some or most spikelet clusters to droop. The seeds are unique in having a narrowly elliptical body and a long tapering beak. It is likely to be found in disturbed places as opposed to pristine natural areas.
Origin/Endemic status: Endemic
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, C, ETx1, F, FNA23, G, GW1, K4, NS, POWO, RAB, Tat, Tx, Va, WH3, Bridges & Orzell (2023) in Weakley et al (2023), Gale (1944), McMillan (2007); = Rynchospora inexpansa — S, S13; Schoenus inexpansus Michaux — (basionym)
Links to other floras: = Rhynchospora inexpansa - FNA23
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACW
- Great Plains: FACW
Heliophily ⓘ: 8
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Horticultural Information
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Height: 1-3 ft.
plant sale text: Nodding beaksedge has narrow grass-like leaves and lovely, arching flower stalks. It can provide interesting texture and structure in boggy or sunny wet areas of the garden. It is native to wet savannas, pond margins, ditches, and other moist areas of the Coastal Plain of the southeastern US.
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germination code: 2
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