Needle Spike-rush
Eleocharis acicularis
Last reviewed: June 2026
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
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.
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.
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.
Does Needle Spike-rush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.