Chondropetalum tectorum

Common name: Cape rush

Description: This South African plant forms dense tufted clumps with 2- to 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.

Hardiness: USDA Hardiness Zones 8-10.

In the landscape: 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. It tolerates a wide soil pH range.

Special features: Drought tolerant once established and deer resistant.

A note about the name: Hans Peter Linder, a professor at the University of Zurich’s Institute for Systematical Botany, included Chondropetalum in the genus Elegia, so also look for Elegia tectorum in the trade.

Sources: San Marcos Growers and Monrovia

Photo by Andrew Massyn