One of our favorite native plants is in full flower in the garden…the unusual white-topped sedge. Dichromena (Rhynchospora) latifolia makes a slowly spreading patch that resembles a carex until the odd white flower spikes occur in mid-summer. Although it usually is found in seasonally flooded sites, we have found it also makes a great specimen in all but the driest garden sites.
Sounds really interesting! Do you have any images of what it looks like during the winter months?
As best I recall, It’s winter dormant in our climate.
So, would it disappear entirely in winter, or would it be a light brown colored dried grassy-looking clump, that might move with the wind? Just trying to determine if it would add winter interest as many grasses do, or completely disappear. Thank you!
I checked further, and indeed, white-topped sedge is evergreen in our climate. All that remains is basal, carex-like foliage that stays very close to the ground, so nothing swaying in the breeze.
How does this do in shade? I’m looking for a plant that survives flooding & is tolerant of shade. Only requirement is that it lives.
This would not be very successful in shade if you expect flowers. How much shade? Acorus is a great solution. Sabal minor would also be excellent in those conditions.
How do you get rid of white top sedge?
That’s an interesting question. Allow to soil to become dry is a sure way to kill it, as would be any non-selective herbicide like Roundup.
I have sprayed Round up on it and it does not kill it. What else can I do?
Find a nursery grower who needs stock. Roundup does kill it, so there could be some issue with application rates or times.