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Creeping Spike-rush

Eleocharis palustris

Last reviewed: June 2026

Creeping Spike-rush (Eleocharis palustris)
Photo: (c) Matt Lavin, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

8"–24" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 42 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast RangeSierra NevadaCentral California ValleyCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsSouthern California/Northern Baja CoastCentral Basin and RangeMojave Basin and RangeChihuahuan DesertsCentral Oklahoma/Texas PlainsEdwards PlateauSouthern Texas PlainsTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsSonoran Basin and Range

Creeping spike-rush is a native wetland grass that forms dense, low clumps of narrow green stems. It produces small, inconspicuous brown flower spikes in summer and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils.

In an HOA neighborhood

Creeping Spike-rush 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 constant moisture which is impractical in most residential settings
  • Grass-like appearance may look unkempt to HOA standards
  • Best suited for specialized wet gardens or pond edges

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat and food for wetland birds and serves as a host for various insects. Its dense growth offers nesting material and shelter for small wildlife in wet areas.

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.

Does Creeping Spike-rush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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