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Rhynchospora colorata (L.) H. Pfeiffer

Family Name:	Cyperaceae
Synonyms:	Rhynchospora stellata, Rhynchospora leucocephala, Rhynchospora drummondiana
Common Name:	Starrush Whitetop

Full Sun

Semi Shade

Lots of Water

Ornamental Flowers

Grass or Grass-like Plant

Shrub

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
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Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division	Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Monocotyledon)
Plant Growth Form	Shrub, Grass or Grass-like Plant
Maximum Height	0.3 m to 0.9 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution	Southern U.S.A., Central America, Northern South America

Description and Ethnobotany

Others - Plant Morphology	Growth Form: Perennial grass-like sedge that forms dense clumps. Plants reproduce asexually via underground horizontal stems known as rhizomes (2mm wide). New roots and shoots emerge from various points along the rhizome. Plants also reproduce sexually. Habitat: Occurs on moist or sandy soil in coastal plains, marshes, wet savannas, ditches, pastures, and along roads. Foliage: Leaves green and linear with a pointed tip. Leaves are narrow, about 3 mm wide. When leaves become dehydrated, they fold along the midvein to conserve water. Flowers: Small clusters of spikelets are surrounded by petal-like bracts (1 - 11 cm long). Bracts are white about 1 - 2 cm from the center and green for the remainder of the bract. The cross-section of the floral stalk is triangular. Fruits: Fruits are egg-shaped and classified as achenes. Achene fruits are dry and indehiscent (does not break open at maturity) with a single seed. Each spikelet produces several fruits. Landscaping: Ideal for water gardens or along the edge of ponds. Can be used as edging for gardens. It is especially attractive when grown among small stone boulders. The white color of the bracts makes a neutral, but contrasting background for plants with colored flowers. Cultivation: Able to grow in poorly drained soil or even slightly submerged in water. If grown in regular soil, water abundantly. Grows in a variety of soil types, such as sand, clay and loam. Prefers basic soils, but also grows in approximately neutral soils. Propagation: Propagate by dividing the plants. Etymology: The genus name "Rhynchospora" is derived from the Greek terms "rhynchos" which mean beak and "spora" which means seed. Many species in this genus have beak-like fruits. The species epithet "colorata" refers to the white color of the bracts.

Others - Plant Morphology

Growth Form: Perennial grass-like sedge that forms dense clumps. Plants reproduce asexually via underground horizontal stems known as rhizomes (2mm wide). New roots and shoots emerge from various points along the rhizome. Plants also reproduce sexually. Habitat: Occurs on moist or sandy soil in coastal plains, marshes, wet savannas, ditches, pastures, and along roads. Foliage: Leaves green and linear with a pointed tip. Leaves are narrow, about 3 mm wide. When leaves become dehydrated, they fold along the midvein to conserve water. Flowers: Small clusters of spikelets are surrounded by petal-like bracts (1 - 11 cm long). Bracts are white about 1 - 2 cm from the center and green for the remainder of the bract. The cross-section of the floral stalk is triangular. Fruits: Fruits are egg-shaped and classified as achenes. Achene fruits are dry and indehiscent (does not break open at maturity) with a single seed. Each spikelet produces several fruits. Landscaping: Ideal for water gardens or along the edge of ponds. Can be used as edging for gardens. It is especially attractive when grown among small stone boulders. The white color of the bracts makes a neutral, but contrasting background for plants with colored flowers. Cultivation: Able to grow in poorly drained soil or even slightly submerged in water. If grown in regular soil, water abundantly. Grows in a variety of soil types, such as sand, clay and loam. Prefers basic soils, but also grows in approximately neutral soils. Propagation: Propagate by dividing the plants. Etymology: The genus name "Rhynchospora" is derived from the Greek terms "rhynchos" which mean beak and "spora" which means seed. Many species in this genus have beak-like fruits. The species epithet "colorata" refers to the white color of the bracts.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features	Ornamental Flowers

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference	Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference	Lots of Water
Rootzone Tolerance	Waterlogged Soils (Drains Site)

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Master ID	30550
Species ID	4859
Flora Disclaimer	The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.

Species record last updated on: 15 October 2021.