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. 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:
-
- ‘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
-
-
Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Annual
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Water Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
-
-
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
-
-
Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Fruit Description:
- Brown, nut-like fruits
-
-
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.
-
-
Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Red/Burgundy
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Red-brown, papery, triangular scales on the lower stem are reduced leaves.
-
-
Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Angular
- Stem Description:
- Triangular green stems
-
-
Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Container
- Landscape Theme:
- Water Garden
