How much sun does Elliptic Spikerush need?

Elliptic Spikerush grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Elliptic Spikerush bloom?

Elliptic Spikerush blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Elliptic Spikerush native?

Elliptic Spikerush (Eleocharis elliptica) is native to CT, GA, IA, ID and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Elliptic Spikerush HOA-friendly?

Elliptic Spikerush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Elliptic Spikerush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eleocharis elliptica

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Elliptic Spikerush (Eleocharis elliptica) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

8"–24" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

CT, GA, IA, ID and 21 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Acadian Plains and Hills Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands

Eleocharis elliptica is a native sedge that forms slender, grass-like clumps with thin green stems. It produces small, inconspicuous brownish flower spikes during summer months. This moisture-loving plant thrives in consistently wet soils and partial sun conditions.

In an HOA neighborhood

Elliptic 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 constantly wet soil conditions
Looks like an unmanaged grass clump
Associated with wetland/marshy areas rather than maintained landscaping

Wildlife value

This sedge provides nesting material and cover for waterfowl and songbirds. The seeds are eaten by various wetland birds and small mammals.

Common questions

How much sun does Elliptic Spikerush need?: Elliptic Spikerush grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Elliptic Spikerush bloom?: Elliptic Spikerush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Elliptic Spikerush native?: Elliptic Spikerush (Eleocharis elliptica) is native to CT, GA, IA, ID and 21 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Elliptic Spikerush HOA-friendly?: Elliptic 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Elliptic Spikerush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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