Cyperus alternifolius

Cyperus alternifolius, more commonly known as Umbrella palm comes our way from its native haunts from Yemen through Sub-Saharan Africa and into Madagascar. While it is most often grown as an annual in aquatic pools, it's reliably winter hardy here in Zone 7b, when planted in the ground as a marginal aquatic. In a container or in dry ground, it is far less winter hardy.The 4' tall green stems are topped with green floppy umbrella like growths resulting in a striking tropical appearance.