Rusby’s Flatsedge: A Southwestern Native Sedge Worth Knowing
If you’re passionate about native plants and looking to explore some of the lesser-known gems of the American Southwest, let me introduce you to Rusby’s flatsedge (Cyperus sphaerolepis). This perennial sedge might not be the star of your local garden center, but it represents the fascinating diversity of native plants that call Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas home.
What is Rusby’s Flatsedge?
Rusby’s flatsedge is a perennial sedge native to the southwestern United States. As a member of the sedge family (Cyperaceae), it’s a grass-like plant that shares characteristics with other sedges, rushes, and grasses. You might also encounter this plant under its former scientific names, including Cyperus fendlerianus var. debilis or Cyperus rusbyi.
Where Does It Grow?
This southwestern native has a relatively limited natural range, growing wild in three states:
- Arizona
- New Mexico
- Texas
Its distribution suggests it’s adapted to the unique growing conditions of the American Southwest, though specific habitat preferences aren’t well-documented in horticultural literature.
Should You Grow Rusby’s Flatsedge?
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While Rusby’s flatsedge has all the makings of a great native plant choice (it’s perennial, native, and non-invasive), there’s surprisingly little information available about growing it in garden settings. This scarcity of cultivation details suggests it’s not commonly grown or studied by gardeners and researchers.
The Case for Growing Native Sedges
Even though specific information about Rusby’s flatsedge is limited, sedges in general offer several benefits to native gardens:
- They’re typically low-maintenance once established
- Many provide habitat and food for native wildlife
- They often tolerate challenging growing conditions
- They add texture and movement to garden designs
Growing Conditions and Care
Unfortunately, specific growing requirements for Rusby’s flatsedge aren’t well-documented in available sources. However, based on its native range in the Southwest, it likely prefers:
- Full sun to partial shade
- Well-draining soils typical of southwestern regions
- Minimal supplemental watering once established
- USDA hardiness zones appropriate for Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas climates
The Bottom Line
Rusby’s flatsedge presents an intriguing puzzle for native plant enthusiasts. While its native status and perennial nature make it theoretically appealing for southwestern native gardens, the lack of cultivation information means you’d be venturing into relatively uncharted territory.
If you’re determined to grow this species, your best bet would be to contact native plant societies in Arizona, New Mexico, or Texas, or seek out specialty native plant nurseries in these regions. They might have insights into growing this lesser-known sedge successfully.
For most gardeners interested in native sedges, you might want to consider better-documented native alternatives that offer similar ecological benefits with more reliable growing information. Your local native plant society can recommend sedge species that are both native to your area and well-suited to home cultivation.
Sometimes the most fascinating native plants are the ones that keep a few secrets – and Rusby’s flatsedge certainly fits that description!
