Where does Needle Spike-rush naturally grow?

Eleocharis acicularis is native to most US states from coast to coast, including wetland areas in both northern and southern regions.

When does Needle Spike-rush bloom?

This sedge produces its small spike-like flowers from May through September, with peak blooming typically occurring during summer months.

What growing conditions does Needle Spike-rush prefer?

Eleocharis acicularis requires consistently wet to saturated soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions, making it ideal for pond edges and wetland gardens.

How tall does Needle Spike-rush grow?

This low-growing sedge typically reaches 2-8 inches in height, forming dense mats or tufts of thin, needle-like stems.

Is Needle Spike-rush toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Needle Spike-rush as toxic to livestock.

Is Needle Spike-rush HOA-friendly?

Needle 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.

Needle Spike-rush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eleocharis acicularis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Eleocharis acicularis (Needle Spike-rush) is a native grass-like sedge found across most US states that thrives in wet conditions and blooms from May through September.

Needle Spike-rush (Eleocharis acicularis) — Photo: Kristian Peters -- Fabelfroh 07:18, 1 July 2007 (UTC) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)

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

Light

part shade

Water

high

Size

2"–10" H × 1"–4" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, AZ, CA and 44 more states

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Sierra Nevada Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

Needle spike-rush is a delicate native grass that forms small, neat clumps of thin, needle-like foliage. This diminutive plant produces tiny spikes of inconspicuous flowers from late spring through early fall and thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions.

Growing Needle Spike-rush

Grow Needle Spike-rush in part shade and high water. Mature plants reach 2 to 10 inches tall and spread 1 to 4 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Needle Spike-rush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Requires consistently wet conditions that may look messy
Very small size and informal appearance unsuitable for front yards
May appear sparse or patchy in typical landscape settings

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat and food for wetland wildlife and waterfowl. The seeds are eaten by various birds, and the plant structure offers shelter for small aquatic creatures.

Common questions

Where does Needle Spike-rush naturally grow?: Eleocharis acicularis is native to most US states from coast to coast, including wetland areas in both northern and southern regions.
When does Needle Spike-rush bloom?: This sedge produces its small spike-like flowers from May through September, with peak blooming typically occurring during summer months.
What growing conditions does Needle Spike-rush prefer?: Eleocharis acicularis requires consistently wet to saturated soils and can tolerate full sun to partial shade conditions, making it ideal for pond edges and wetland gardens.
How tall does Needle Spike-rush grow?: This low-growing sedge typically reaches 2-8 inches in height, forming dense mats or tufts of thin, needle-like stems.
Is Needle Spike-rush toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Needle Spike-rush as toxic to livestock.
Is Needle Spike-rush HOA-friendly?: Needle 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 Needle Spike-rush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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