Parish Spikerush
Eleocharis parishii
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
2"–12" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AZ, CA, KS, NM and 4 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Eleocharis parishii is a small native sedge that forms compact clumps of thin, grass-like stems. This wetland plant requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions and produces inconspicuous flower clusters during summer months. It works best in rain gardens, bog gardens, or other water-retentive landscape areas.
In an HOA neighborhood
Parish 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 specialized wet conditions that are impractical for typical landscaping
- Sedge appearance may be perceived as weedy or unintentional
- Very small size makes it easily overlooked or mistaken for volunteer growth
Wildlife value
As a sedge, it provides habitat and nesting material for wetland birds and beneficial insects. The seeds may attract small songbirds and waterfowl in appropriate wetland settings.
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 Parish Spikerush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.