Rhynchospora colorata

Rhynchospora colorata, also known as starrush whitetop, white star sedge, and white-topped sedge, is a perennial flowering plant in the sedge family. It has white bracts, giving it the appearance of white petals with long, green points. It is native to southeastern North America, from Virginia west to New Mexico in the United States, and south into the Caribbean islands.

The inflorescence is a dense cluster of small spikes, each containing several tiny flowers sitting atop green and white bracts. These bracts look much like leaves, but the actual leaves arise from the base of the plant. Attracts several pollinators.

Star sedge is a showy addition to a bog or water garden. It will also grow in regular garden soil with plenty of water. Divide the plant when the clumps get too big. Cut star sedge back in winter to make room for fresh spring growth.

It is frequent in swales, ditches, and wet places in southeast Texas, the Rio Grande Plains, the Edwards Plateau, and the Trans-Pecos. It grows in sand, loam, or clay, and poor drainage is okay. It sometimes grows submerged in shallow water.

BONAP MAP

Height: 1'-2'
Spread: 2'-3'
Bloom: May-August
Light: Full sun, Part Shade
Water: Moist
Zone: 7, 8, 9, 10
Origin: Southern United States, Mexico, South America