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Cyperus papyrus is a stately aquatic member of the sedge family. The plants are easily cultivated and suitable for medium to large water features, especially in warmer climates. The most conspicuous feature of the plants are the bright green, smooth, rounded culms (flowering stems). Each is topped by a dense cluster of thin, bright green, shiny stalks, which resemble a feather duster when young. The stalks elongate later and bend gracefully downward under their own weight so that the cluster becomes almost spherical in shape. During summer these stalks bear small brown spikelets. Ideally, the plants need a muddy or sandy substrate in water so that the tall culms will not topple. They need full sun but also need to be sheltered from strong winds, and for best effect should be allowed to form a large colony. In winter the oldest culms dry off and can be removed with a sharp implement.
Zones 9-11
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