About
Eleocharis palustris, the common spike-rush, is a tufted, clump-forming sedge to 60 cm tall with smooth, rich-green, cylindrical stems spreading by creeping rhizomes. Dainty, brown, egg-shaped spikelets appear from May to July, with reddish-purple basal sheaths providing subtle contrast. An excellent native marginal plant for a wildlife pond.
About the genus
Eleocharis, the spike-rushes, are grasslike or rush-like sedges with cylindrical or flattened, leafless stems tipped by single, egg-shaped spikelets. They grow in wet, marshy or aquatic habitats and are ornamental marginal and aquatic plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAlkaline, Neutral
Soil moisturePoorly-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeAquatic, Bogs, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen, Semi evergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread1-1.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesWildlife gardens
Native toTemp. N. Hemisphere
Care notes
CultivationGrow in moisture-retentive situations such as pond margins. See pond plants and bog gardens for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed or by division
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free