How to Grow and Care for Beak-rushes

Little beaksedge (Rhynchospora berteroi) is a sedge native to Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The name refers to the fruit, which is shaped like the beak of a bird. The plant favors bogs and peaty grasslands. It is often used as an indicator of the health of the ecosystem.

The daisy-like flowers of the starrush Whitetop attract many insect pollinators like butterflies and bees. It’s an excellent addition to water and bog gardens because of its conspicuous flowers. It makes an interesting groundcover in moist landscapes and is generally found in shallow waters. The perennial white flowers typically bloom in the summer.

White beaksedge has a distinctive beak-like cap. It is sometimes used as an indicator species of positive ecosystem health, as it will die off if its ecosystem is overly disturbed. It has a very broad range despite its delicacy, though that range is shrinking due to habitat loss.

Shortbristle horned beaksedge can be easily identified since it is larger and more robust than other similar species. Its seedpods have distinctive spikes. It is generally common in the forest.