What hardiness zones is Rhynchospora colorata suitable for?

Rhynchospora colorata is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 7, 8, 9, 10.

What are the sun requirements for Rhynchospora colorata?

Rhynchospora colorata requires Full Sun.

How much water does Rhynchospora colorata need?

Rhynchospora colorata has High water needs.

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Grasses

Rhynchospora colorata

White-Top Sedge

Cyperaceae

Southeastern United States — from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas, in wet pine flatwoods and marshes

At a Glance

TypeSedge

HabitSpreading

FoliageSemi-evergreen

Height12-18 inches (30-45 cm)

Width18-24 inches (45-60 cm)

Maturity1 years

Growing Zones

USDA Hardiness Zones

7 - 10

Zone 7 Zone 8 Zone 9 Zone 10

These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.

What's my zone? →

Frost Tolerancehardy

Key Features

Attracts Pollinators Deer Resistant Container Friendly

Native to North America

Maintenancevery low

Overview

Rhynchospora colorata is white-top sedge (star rush) — a native sedge with a singular ornamental display, growing 12–18 inches (30–45 cm) tall and spreading 18–24 inches (45–60 cm) by rhizomes. The display is uncommon for a sedge: the upper leaf-like bracts surrounding the flower clusters turn bright white — creating the appearance of white star-shaped flowers. The actual flowers are tiny and inconspicuous; the stars are modified leaves (bracts) that have lost their chlorophyll. The white stars appear from May through September — a 16+ week display, longer than the bloom period of any other native sedge in cultivation. Multiple flushes produce new white stars through the season. The species name 'colorata' means 'colored', referencing the showy white bracts. Native to wet pine flatwoods and marshes of the southeastern US. Spreads by rhizomes in wet conditions. Hardy to zone 7. Wet to waterlogged, acidic soil in sun.

Native Range

Rhynchospora colorata is native to the southeastern United States — from Virginia south to Florida and west to Texas.

Suggested Uses

Used in rain gardens, pond margins, wet meadows, and containers kept in water trays. A native sedge with a 16+ week display of white bract stars. Wet-soil native garden highlight.

How to Identify

Identified by bright white star-shaped bracts — looks like a sedge with white flowers. The white 'stars' are bracts (modified leaves), not petals. No other commonly grown sedge produces this display. The 16+ week bloom and the white bract stars are diagnostic. Wet-soil habitat.