How much sun does Parish Spikerush need?

Parish Spikerush grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Parish Spikerush bloom?

Parish Spikerush blooms in June, July, and August.

Where is Parish Spikerush native?

Parish Spikerush (Eleocharis parishii) is native to AZ, CA, KS, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

Is Parish Spikerush HOA-friendly?

Parish Spikerush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Parish Spikerush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eleocharis parishii

Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown

Parish Spikerush (Eleocharis parishii) 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

2"–12" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AZ, CA, KS, NM and 4 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.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range North American Deserts Southern Rockies Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

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.

Common questions

How much sun does Parish Spikerush need?: Parish Spikerush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Parish Spikerush bloom?: Parish Spikerush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Parish Spikerush native?: Parish Spikerush (Eleocharis parishii) is native to AZ, CA, KS, NM and 4 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Parish Spikerush HOA-friendly?: Parish Spikerush 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Parish Spikerush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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