Rhynchospora latifolia aka Giant Whitetop Sedge

Rhynchospora latifolia is a perennial sedge in the Cyperaceae family. Its common names include broadleaf whitetop sedge and white star grass. The older name Dichromena latifolia refers to the same species. It comes from the southeastern United States, reaching southeastern Texas. Its coastal plain range runs from North Carolina through Florida. In the wild, it grows in open, wet ground. Marshes, ditches, and low places form part of its habitat.

Plants grow 1–3 feet [0.30–0.91 metres] tall. Their spread reaches 2–3 feet [0.61–0.91 metres]. They grow upright but also spread, with a medium growth rate. Green stems rise above a base of narrow, grass-like leaves. The leaves are simple and pointed, with smooth, unbroken edges. They grow alternately along the stems and have no hairs. Leaves near the base exceed those on the stems in size. Individual leaves can exceed 0.5 feet [0.15 metres] in length. Their width stays below 0.08 feet [0.025 metres]. The fine foliage gives the plant a light texture.

The flower display lasts from May through September. Each stem ends in a head-like group of spikelets. These heads rise above the leaves, where they are easy to see. Seven to ten large bracts surround the small yellow flowers. Each bract has a white base and a green tip. Together, the bracts form the showy, star-like part of the display. Brown fruits follow, with a display from June through October. Each fruit is a two-sided nutlet, classed as an achene.

Grow this sedge in full sun or partial shade. It needs moist, acid soil and suits sandy or peaty ground. Loam and soil rich in organic matter also suit it. It tolerates frequent standing water as well as spells of wet soil. The listed USDA hardiness range runs from zones 7 through 10. Gardeners can raise new plants from seed or divide existing plants.

Use it beside ponds, in bogs, or in rain gardens. It also suits containers, native gardens, and areas left to naturalize. Planting in groups makes the white bracts easier to see. Its long flower season adds interest through much of summer. The plant attracts butterflies, other pollinators, and small mammals. These traits make it useful in wetland and pollinator plantings.