Rhynchospora riparia, commonly known as River Beakrush or Sand Swale Beaksedge, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to South America, particularly thriving in wet prairies, savannas, and flatwoods, as well as marshes and along riverbanks. It typically grows at a moderate rate to a height of 1-3 feet (0.3-0.9 meters) and features narrow, grass-like leaves. The plant produces small, white, globular flowers that bloom in the summer, which are modest in appearance but can add texture to a garden setting.

River Beakrush is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration projects, and as a component of native plantings to stabilize soil and support local ecosystems. It is adaptable to full sun or part shade and prefers moist to wet soils, including clay, loam, or sandy types. While it requires high amounts of water, it is generally low maintenance once established. This species is not commonly affected by diseases or pests, making it a reliable choice for challenging wet sites.CC BY-SA 4.0