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Cyperus prolifer

Previously known as:

  • Cyperus isocladus
Phonetic Spelling
sy-PEER-us PRO-leef-er
Description

The Latin name Cyperus prolifer describes this plant to a tea.  While Cyperus translates to sedge, prolifer means 'increasing by production of side-shoots', which is how this plant spreads to form colonies.  One of its common names, Dwarf Papyrus, refers to its resemblance to that plant in a dwarf habit.  

Preferring full sun or light to partial shade, it can be used in water gardens or as a houseplant.  It must be keep moist or grown in standing water.  It will spread by rhizomes but is easy to manage. 

During its growing season, culms are produced from the growing tip of each rhizome producing a cluster of grass-like flower spikelets.  

Spreading by it shoots that emerge in wet soils, it will quickly establish a colony where the root system will help to filter the water and thereby keep the water clean.  In addition to its filtering of wet areas, it will also add a pleasing, decorative element to the landscape.   

Cultivated varieties seldom produce fruits.  The fruits of a non-cultivated plant have one seed per achene that is dispersed by water and wind.  

In its native Madagascar, the dried culms are used for basket-weaving.  Ancient Egyptians used this variety to create writing canvases.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  It not survive in dry or drought conditions.  

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#water garden#shrub#frost tender#sedge#dwarf#ornamental grass#wetlands#flower arrangements#pond margins#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#pond garden#marshes#wetland margins#dry soils intolerant#colonizing#drought intolerant#showy#grass#wildflower
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#water garden#shrub#frost tender#sedge#dwarf#ornamental grass#wetlands#flower arrangements#pond margins#herbaceous#herbaceous perennial#pond garden#marshes#wetland margins#dry soils intolerant#colonizing#drought intolerant#showy#grass#wildflower
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Cyperus
    Species:
    prolifer
    Family:
    Cyperaceae
    Uses (Ethnobotany):
    Water plant
    Life Cycle:
    Perennial
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Seed
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Africa
    Play Value:
    Buffer
    Easy to Grow
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Shrub
    Water Plant
    Wildflower
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Arching
    Clumping
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Rapid
    Maintenance:
    Low
    Medium
    Texture:
    Fine
  • 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)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Frequent Standing Water
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Fruit Type:
    Achene
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    The fruit is a light brown achene, containing one seed. It does not open to release its seed.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Red/Burgundy
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Spike
    Umbel
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    A flat, leaf-like bract is produce at the top of the stem. Rays radiate stiffly from the center.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Semi-evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Glossy
    Smooth
    Leaf Type:
    Sheath
    Simple
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Leafless stem topped with spiral of dark green, pendulous leaves and greenish brown flower spikelets. The leaves are inconspicuous.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Cross Section:
    Angular
    Stem Form:
    Straight
    Stem Surface:
    Smooth (glabrous)
    Stem Description:
    The flowering culms/stems stand erect. They are joined to the rhizome underground that spreads to form colonies.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Patio
    Pond
    Landscape Theme:
    Rain Garden
    Water Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Small groups
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Wet Soil