Chondropetalum tectorum (Small Cape Rush) AKA Elegia tectorum. This South African plant forms dense tufted clumps from which arise 2-3 foot tall dark green unbranched stems. The dark brown sheaths at the joints drop off in summer leaving a dark band. Late in the season the stems arch gracefully from the weight of clusters of small brown flowers at the tips. It can be successfully planted in seaside gardens, used in relatively dry landscapes or used as a plant in the shallows of a water garden. The plant has been reclassified as Chondropetalum elephantinum. This true Chondropetalum tectorum is a smaller plant (about 3 feet tall) from the southern Cape. The larger plant Chondropetalum elephantinum is a more robust form up to 6 feet tall from the West Coast. Likely, many of the plants in the nursery trade are from seed collected from the larger form.
Summer
Full to part sun
Water thrifty but likes supplemental water in spring
Clip off dried, dead reeds
Plant in spring or fall
Moist, well draining sandy soil
3-6 ft. tall
