Skip to content

Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge

Cyperus Alternifolius

Design with this plant

Overview

Cyperus alternifolius, commonly known as the Umbrella Plant or Umbrella Papyrus, is an attractive, semi-aquatic perennial. It features radiating leaves that form an umbrella-like shape atop sturdy, green stems up to 2-3 feet tall. This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers consistently moist soil. Ideal for adding vertical interest to water gardens or indoor arrangements, it's a showy choice for both decorative and practical design elements.

Sun Deep Shade, Full, Half, ShadeWater HighZones 9–11Climate Mediterranean
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — commonly known as the Umbrella Plant or Umbrella Papyrus

Culture

Sun
Deep Shade, Full, Half, Shade
Water
High
USDA zones
9–11

Shape & size

Mature height
1–2 Ft.
Mature width
1–2 Ft.

Classification

Family
Cyperaceae
Climate
Mediterranean

See full data, regional cultivation notes, full-resolution photos, and design tools. Build a client presentation around this plant.

Start your 14-day trial

Photos (140)

Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — commonly known as the Umbrella Plant or Umbrella Papyrus; ideal for adding vertical, image 121
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — creating the plant's umbrella-like appearance.<br><br>Native to Madagascar; it's a, image 134
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — Cyperus alternifolius thrives in warmer climates; erect stems of the Umbrella Plant, image 135
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — It prefers full sun to partial shade with a tolerance for a variety of soil types; as, image 136
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — though it does best in soil that is rich and retains moisture; it can become invasive, image 137
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — The Umbrella Plant is often planted near water features; this low-maintenance plant, image 138
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — It features radiating leaves that form an umbrella-like shape atop sturdy, green stems, image 122
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — This low-maintenance plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers, image 123
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — Ideal for adding vertical interest to water gardens or indoor arrangements; makes it, image 124
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — it's a showy choice for both decorative and practical design elements; it features, image 125
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — also known as the Umbrella Papyrus or by its scientific name Cyperus alternifolius, image 126
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — is a tropical plant renowned for its distinctive radiating leaves that resemble the, image 127
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — It is an evergreen perennial that adds a lush; its low-maintenance nature, image 128
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — exotic touch to any landscape design.<br><br>Typically; perennial for deep shade or, image 129
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — this charismatic plant can reach a height of 2 to 4 feet; is a tropical plant renowned, image 130
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — with its graceful leaves spreading up to 3 feet across; creating the plant's, image 131
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — erect stems of the Umbrella Plant are topped with a cluster of linear leaves; it's, image 132
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — which are bright green and arranged in a single plane; green flowers in the garden, image 133
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — as it requires consistent moisture; this charismatic plant can reach a height of 2 to, image 139
Umbrella Plant, Umbrella Flatsedge (Cyperus Alternifolius) — can be utilized as an accent or centerpiece due to its unique form.<br><br>For the, image 140

Related plants

Miniature Sedge (Carex Conica 'The Beatles') — Carex conica 'The Beatles' is a compact ornamental grass with fine-textured

Miniature Sedge

Carex Conica 'The Beatles'

Half · Zones 7–9

Creek Sedge (Carex Amphibola) — Carex amphibola, commonly known as Creek Sedge, is a versatile perennial grass

Creek Sedge

Carex Amphibola

Full · Zones 3–9

Blue Sedge (Carex Flacca) — Blue Sedge (Carex flacca), a hardy perennial grass-like plant, features powdery blue-green foliage

Blue Sedge

Carex Flacca

Full · Zones 4–11

Fox Sedge (Carex Vulpinoidea) — Carex vulpinoidea, commonly known as Fox Sedge, adds a touch of wild grace to landscapes

Fox Sedge

Carex Vulpinoidea

Full · Zones 3–9

Eastern Star Sedge (Carex Radiata) — Eastern Star Sedge, Carex radiata, is a North American native perennial grass, thriving in zones 4-9

Eastern Star Sedge

Carex Radiata

Full · Zones 3–9

Baby Tut® Umbrella Grass (Cyperus involucratus) — Proven Winners - Graceful Grasses® Baby Tut® - Umbrella Grass - Cyperus involucratus plant details

Baby Tut® Umbrella Grass

Cyperus involucratus