Eleocharis obtusa - Spike rush

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Native Wetland Plants

Eleocharis obtusa

Spikerush

More About Spikerush

  • Low growth habit
  • Prolific seeder
  • Tolerant of water level fluctuation

Eleocharis obtusa, Spike rush, is typically one of the first colonizers of a freshly dug storm water basin or pond. Eleocharis obtusa forms attractive lime green clumps 1' tall topped with a blunt dark brown seed head in mid summer. This fine textured pioneer has the look of fiberoptic grass and is very tolerant of fluctuating water levels. Spike rush is ideally suited for rain gardens, conservation projects, basins, and storm water run off projects. Dense stands of Spike rush are a wonderful habitat for frogs, damselflies and dragonflies.

Bloom Color

White

Eleocharis obtusa Characteristics & Attributes

Exposure
• Sun
Mature Height
• < 1'
Spread Characteristics
• Clumping
• Prolific Seeder
Season of Interest (Flowering)
• Spring
Season of Interest (Foliage)
• Spring
• Summer
• Fall
Pond Zonation
• Low Marsh 0 - 6"
Foliage Color
• Green
Wildlife Benefits
• Amphibians
• Cover
• Fish
• Food
• Nesting
• Waterfowl
Critter Resistance
• Deer Resistant
Wetland Indicator Status
• OBL
Plant Type
• Bog/Marsh
• Flowering Perennial
• Marginal
• Rush
Attributes
• Container
• Erosion Control
• Fibrous Roots
• Great Foliage
• Mass Planting
• Native
• Naturalizing
• Rain Garden
• Storm Water Basin
USDA Hardiness Zone
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• 10
• 11