Rhynchospora colorata (Linnaeus) H. Pfeiffer. Common name: Narrowleaf Whitetop Sedge. Phenology: May-Sep. Habitat: Wet pine savannas, ditches, dune swales, calcareous glades, usually in places with some source of alkalinity (calcareous rocks, shell, brackish water). Distribution: Se. VA south to FL and west to c. TX; Mexico (Tabasco, Chiapas, Yucatán), Belize, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Venezuela; West Indies.
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: Native
Synonymy ⓘ: = Ar, C, ETx1, FNA23, K4, NcTx, NS, POWO, Va, WH3, McMillan (2007); = Dichromena colorata (L.) Hitchc. — Bah, F, G, GW1, RAB, S, S13, Tx; Schoenus coloratus Linnaeus — (basionym)
Links to other floras: = Rhynchospora colorata - FNA23
Wetland Indicator Status:
- Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW
- Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACW
- Great Plains: FACW
Heliophily ⓘ: 9
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Horticultural Information
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Height: 12-18 in.
plant sale text: 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.
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native range: southeastern United States to Mexico & West Indies