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Creeping Spike-rush

Eleocharis palustris

Last reviewed: June 2026

Eleocharis palustris (Creeping Spike-rush) is a native wetland grass found across most US states. This moisture-loving sedge blooms June through August in marshes and wet soils.

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

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Creeping Spike-rush as toxic to livestock.

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 MountainsCentral 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.

Growing Creeping Spike-rush

Grow Creeping Spike-rush in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 8 to 24 inches tall and spread 4 to 12 inches wide. Expect high maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

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.

Common questions

Where does Eleocharis palustris naturally grow?
Creeping Spike-rush is native to most US states from coast to coast, found in wetlands, marshes, pond edges, and other areas with consistently moist to wet soils.
When does Creeping Spike-rush bloom?
Eleocharis palustris produces its small, spike-like flower clusters during summer months, typically from June through August.
What growing conditions does this plant need?
This wetland species requires consistently moist to wet soils and performs best in full sun to partial sun conditions. It thrives in marshy areas, pond margins, and other permanently moist habitats.
Is Eleocharis palustris actually a grass?
Despite being called spike-rush, this plant is technically a sedge in the family Cyperaceae, not a true grass. It has a grass-like appearance with narrow, upright growth.
Is Creeping Spike-rush toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Creeping Spike-rush as toxic to livestock.
Is Creeping Spike-rush HOA-friendly?
Creeping Spike-rush 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 Creeping Spike-rush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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