Rhynchospora latifolia (Baldwin) W.W. Thomas

Broadleaf Whitetop Sedge; Sandswamp Whitetop Sedge; Giant Whitetop Sedge

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Broadleaf Whitetop Sedge is a native perennial in the Sedge family (Cyperaceae). It is found in the southern tier of counties in Alabama. Broadleaf Whitetop Sedge grows in pitcher plant bogs, wet pine savannas, seeps, and open flatwoods. It is a perennial from a scaly rhizome. Stems are from 12-36 inches in height. Leaves are grass-like, linear, with entire margins. Stem leaves are smaller than basal leaves. Flowers are produced in a terminal head-like cluster of spikelets that overtop the leaves. The spikelets are subtended by 7-10 spreading or downward pointing involucral bracts. The bracts are bright white for at least half of their length. The ends of the bracts are narrowed to a point and green in color. The fruit is an achene. The white involucral bracts are sometimes said to resemble white doves, or exploding fireworks. Broadleaf Whitetop Sedge is occasionally available from wildflower nurseries. It requires full sun and a moist, acidic, sandy or peaty soil. It can be used in a bog garden or the shallow areas of a water garden. It has also been recommended for stormwater wetlands, bioretention features, and container gardens.--A. Diamond

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Native FACW+ (NWPL)

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