Distribution:  Southern U.S. to South America

Habitat:  Open moist meadows, shores

Recognition:  Bracts white and petal-like.  The similar but larger Rhynchospora latifolia also has white bracts but 6 or more (vs. 6 or fewer), these > 5 mm (vs. < 5 mm) wide at the base.

Florida status:  Native, common