Starrush Whitetop
(Rhynchospora colorata)
Starrush Whitetop (Rhynchospora colorata)
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Laura Clark
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Laura Clark
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Laura Clark | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Laura Clark | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2016-04-23T11:11:08-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Rhynchospora colorata, commonly known as Starrush Whitetop, White Star Sedge, and White-topped Sedge, is a perennial sedge that is native to wetlands, marshes, and moist prairies in the southeastern United States to northern South America. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and spreads 1-2 feet (30-60 cm). The plant is characterized by its distinctive inflorescence, which features a dense cluster of small spikes, each containing several tiny flowers. These are surrounded by 3–10 striking white bracts that grow to 10–15 cm long and resemble white petals with long, green points. The actual leaves of the plant arise from the base and are grass-like in appearance.
Starrush Whitetop is valued for its unique and showy white bracts that add visual interest to wetland gardens and rain gardens. It is often used in native plant gardens, as it supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for wildlife. This sedge thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium drainage. It is relatively low maintenance, but gardeners should ensure that the soil does not dry out. While it is not known for serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. Starrush Whitetop is not typically invasive, but it can spread in suitable wetland conditions, making it important to consider its placement in the landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Starrush Whitetop is valued for its unique and showy white bracts that add visual interest to wetland gardens and rain gardens. It is often used in native plant gardens, as it supports local ecosystems and provides habitat for wildlife. This sedge thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers consistently moist to wet soils with medium drainage. It is relatively low maintenance, but gardeners should ensure that the soil does not dry out. While it is not known for serious pest or disease problems, it can be susceptible to root rot if grown in poorly drained soils. Starrush Whitetop is not typically invasive, but it can spread in suitable wetland conditions, making it important to consider its placement in the landscape.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Grass
- Height: 1.5-2 feet
- Width: 1.5-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Green, White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer, Fall
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Native to wetlands, marshes, and moist prairies in the southeastern United States
Other Names
Common Names: White-Top Sedge, White Star Sedge, 白鷺莞
Scientific Names: , Rhynchospora colorata, Dichromena colorata, Kyllinga monocephala, Cyperus kyllingia, Rhynchospora stellata, Kyllinga colorata, Dichromena leucocephala, Dichromena ciliata, Schoenus coloratus
GBIF Accepted Name: Rhynchospora colorata (L.) H.Pfeiff.