Cyperus haspan (Dwarf Papyrus)

Cyperus haspan (Dwarf Papyrus) is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial forming a tuft of upright, three-angled, green stems. Atop the stem rests a rounded spiked umbel of yellow-green florets that turn bronze in late summer. Providing year-round interest, this member of the sedge family is a charming addition to the water garden thanks to its delicate evergreen appearance and fireworks-like flower heads.

Cyperus haspan (Dwarf Papyrus) is a rhizomatous aquatic perennial forming a tuft of upright, three-angled, green stems. Atop the stem rests a rounded spiked umbel of yellow-green florets that turn bronze in late summer. Providing year-round interest, this member of the sedge family is a charming addition to the water garden thanks to its delicate evergreen appearance and fireworks-like flower heads. While papyrus plants are perennials in warm climates, many gardeners use them as if they were annuals in colder climates. In ponds, plant in a basket as it may be invasive.

  • Grows up to 12-30 in. tall (30-75 cm) and 24 in. wide (60 cm).
  • Performs best in full sun or partial shade in wet soils. While it thrives in consistently moist garden soil, it can also be planted in standing water to 3-5 in. deep (7-12 cm).
  • This architectural grass is highly versatile. It may be grown at the edge of a pond or water garden, in boggy areas, in shallow water and in containers.
  • Virtually disease and pest free
  • Cut back dead stems and culms in fall.
  • Propagated by division or by rooted plantlets that form when the flower heads touch the water or by cutting off the flower head and floating it upside down in water.
  • Native to the Southeastern United States, the West Indies, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Old World.
  • Find where Cyperus haspan is invasive in the U.S.

Requirements

Hardiness 9
– 11

Plant Type Aquatic Plants, Ornamental Grasses, Perennials
Plant Family Cyperus
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)Summer (Early,Mid,Late)FallWinter
Height 2'
– 3'
(60cm
– 90cm)
Spread 1'
– 2'
(30cm
– 60cm)
Spacing 24″ (60cm)
Water Needs High
Maintenance Average
Soil Type Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Poorly Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen
Native Plants United States, Southeast, Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Southwest, Texas
Tolerance Wet Soil
Garden Uses Bog Gardens, Patio and Containers, Ponds and Streams, Rain Gardens, Water Gardens
Garden Styles Mediterranean Garden