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Engelmann's Spike-rush

Eleocharis engelmannii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Engelmann's Spike-rush (Eleocharis engelmannii)
Photo: National Museum of Natural History / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Toxicity unknown

Engelmann's Spike-rush (Eleocharis engelmannii) 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

full sun

Water

high

Size

4"–16" H × 2"–8" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 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.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Marine West Coast ForestNorthwestern Forested MountainsSierra NevadaCentral California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleyNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsHigh PlainsCentral Great PlainsGreat PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsSouth Central PlainsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontNorthern Glaciated PlainsWestern Corn Belt PlainsNorthern Lakes and ForestsNorth Central Hardwood ForestsSoutheastern Wisconsin Till PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsHuron/Erie Lake PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Engelmann's spikerush is a grass-like sedge that forms small clumps with thin, upright stems. It requires consistently wet conditions and produces small, inconspicuous flower spikes in summer. This plant is best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or other water features.

In an HOA neighborhood

Engelmann's 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 very wet conditions unsuitable for typical landscaping
  • Grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weeds
  • High water needs conflict with typical landscape irrigation

Wildlife value

Wind-pollinated sedge that provides limited pollinator value but offers habitat for wetland wildlife. Seeds may attract some waterfowl and small birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Engelmann's Spike-rush need?
Engelmann's Spike-rush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Engelmann's Spike-rush bloom?
Engelmann's Spike-rush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Engelmann's Spike-rush native?
Engelmann's Spike-rush (Eleocharis engelmannii) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 35 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Engelmann's Spike-rush HOA-friendly?
Engelmann's 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Engelmann's Spike-rush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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