Egyptian Paper Reed Cyperus papyrus
Other Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- sy-PEER-us pa-PY-russ
- Description
-
Papyrus is a large, emergent, aquatic perennial sedge from Africa that produces rhizomes covered in thick, black scales. It grows 10-15 feet high with unusual feather duster type heads composed of thin rays and elongated bracts. In NC it is used as a container plant or annual. It needs boggy soil or standing water in full sun to partial shade.
It can be used in water gardens or as a houseplant grown in a 20-gallon pot. Bring inside before the first frost.
It has escaped cultivation in areas as Fl, CA, and HI and can become quite invasive by clogging up waterways.
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- Water Garden at David Caldwell Historic Park Asian Garden - Zen Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- ‘Nanus’
Grows 2-3 ft. tall
- ‘Nanus’
- ‘Nanus’
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
-
- ‘Nanus’
Grows 2-3 ft. tall
- ‘Nanus’
- ‘Nanus’
- Tags:
-
-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Cyperus
- Species:
- papyrus
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Was used to make a paper called papyrus. It was also burned and the ashes used medicinally.
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Root Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Africa
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Water Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Moist
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Description:
- Brown, nut-like fruits
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Umbel
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- The umbellate inflorescence is a dense cluster of many bright green, shiny thread-like rays 4-12 inches long resembling a feather duster on young plants. Small, secondary umbels with 3-5 rays and narrow, elongated bracts are produced on the ends of the rays. The non-descript, greenish-brown flowers are produced at the ends. Can grow up to 1 foot across.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Red-brown, papery, triangular scales on the lower stem are reduced leaves.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Description:
- Triangular green stems
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Water Garden
