Gulf coast spikerush
Eleocharis cellulosa
Last reviewed: September 2026
Gulf coast spikerush (Eleocharis cellulosa) is a perennial grass native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 more states. It blooms in April, May, June, July, and August.
Toxicity unknown
Gulf coast spikerush (Eleocharis cellulosa) 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
12"–40" H × 12"–24" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 more states
Before you buy
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A leafless, rush-like wetland sedge with hollow, jointed green stems tipped by small brown spikelets. Spreads by rhizomes to form dense colonies in shallow marsh water, giving it an unmanicured, wild look.
Growing Gulf coast spikerush
Grow Gulf coast spikerush in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 12 to 40 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Forms important shallow-marsh habitat structure used by wading birds and aquatic invertebrates.
Common questions
- How much sun does Gulf coast spikerush need?
- Gulf coast spikerush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Gulf coast spikerush bloom?
- Gulf coast spikerush blooms in April, May, June, July, and August.
- Where is Gulf coast spikerush native?
- Gulf coast spikerush (Eleocharis cellulosa) is native to AL, AR, FL, GA and 5 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Gulf coast spikerush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.