Blunt Spikerush
Eleocharis obtusa
Last reviewed: June 2026
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Blunt Spikerush as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
4"–16" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, AR, CA, CO and 39 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Blunt spikerush is a small, grass-like native sedge that forms clumps of slender green stems topped with small brown seed heads. This moisture-loving plant thrives in consistently wet soils and produces inconspicuous blooms from summer through early fall. As an annual, it completes its life cycle in one growing season.
In an HOA neighborhood
Blunt Spikerush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires consistently wet conditions that may create drainage issues
- Very small size and wetland appearance may look out of place in typical landscaping
- Brownish flower spikes can appear weedy to conventional standards
Wildlife value
This sedge provides seeds for waterfowl and small birds, particularly during fall migration. The dense clumps offer nesting material and cover for small wildlife in wetland areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Blunt Spikerush need?
- Blunt Spikerush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Blunt Spikerush bloom?
- Blunt Spikerush blooms in June, July, August, and September.
- Where is Blunt Spikerush native?
- Blunt Spikerush (Eleocharis obtusa) is native to AL, AR, CA, CO and 39 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Blunt Spikerush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Blunt Spikerush as toxic to livestock.
- Is Blunt Spikerush HOA-friendly?
- Blunt Spikerush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Blunt Spikerush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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