Spikerush

Eleocharis montana

Family:
Cyperaceae

Lifecycle:
Perennial

Native or Introduced:
Native

Nutrient Removal Rating:
Low (slow growth, high uptake)

Wildlife Value:
Low

Invasiveness:
Low

Rooted or Floating:
Rooted

Site Requirements:
Full sun

Maximum Water Depth:
3 inches

Plant Description:
Spikerush is a perennial species that is often mat-forming. The plant produces rhizomes that are hard and 1/8 inch in thickness. Rhizomes enable the mat forming habit. Stems grow to be 4-28 inches tall and are hollow. Leaf sheathes are red at the base and green or brown at the upper end. Brown flowering heads form at the tips of stems from April to November.

Spikerush grows in fresh waters of ponds, ditches, marshes, and swamp margins. It sometimes forms dense beds 8-12 inches above normal water line.

Source:

• Flora of North America (see link below)

Additional reading:

• USDA
• Flora of North America