Rhynchospora latifolia (Baldwin ex Elliott) W.W. Thomas. Common name: Broadleaf Whitetop Sedge. Phenology: May-Sep. Habitat: Wet pine savannas. Distribution: A Southeastern Coastal Plain endemic: se. NC south to s. FL and west to se. TX; disjunct in sc. TN (Coffee County). A report from Val Verde County, TX (Kartesz 2022) is not substantiated by documentation and is implausible.
ID notes: The bright white inflorescence bracts of the "Whitetop Sedges" (in our region: R. colorata, R. floridensis, R. latifolia, R. nivea) form a very visually distinctive group within Rhynchospora. See Rhynchospora Key B.
Origin/Endemic status: Endemic
Synonymy ⓘ: = ETx1, FNA23, K4, NS, POWO, WH3, McMillan (2007); = Dichromena latifolia Baldwin ex Elliott — GW1, RAB, S, S13, Tx. Basionym: Dichromena latifolia Baldwin ex Elliott 1816
Links to other floras: = Rhynchospora latifolia - FNA23
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Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW
- Great Plains: OBL
- Midwest: FACW
Heliophily ⓘ: 8
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Horticultural Information
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Height: 12-18 in.
plant sale text: Broadleaf whitetop sedge produces unusual, showy pure white bracts, typically 4 to 6 inches across, that are attractive for several months in mid to late summer. A single plant spreads slowly to form an impressive specimen. This perennial is native to coastal areas of the southeastern US. This sedge works well planted with carnivorous plants, because they both thrive with wet soil and full sun.
bloom table text: Broad-leaf Whitetop Sedge produces unusual, showy pure white bracts, typically 4 to 6 inches long, that are attractive for several months in mid- to late summer. A single plant spreads slowly to form an impressive specimen. This southeastern native perennial is native to coastal areas of the southeastern United States. This perennial makes an excellent companion for carnivorous plants, because it thrives under the same conditions: wet soil and full sun.
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germination code: 2
native range: southeastern United States
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