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Slender Spikerush

Eleocharis tenuis

Last reviewed: August 2026

Slender Spikerush (Eleocharis tenuis)
Photo: (c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zihao Wang

Toxicity unknown

Slender Spikerush (Eleocharis tenuis) 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.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Slender Spikerush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

8"–24" H × 2"–6" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CT and 30 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 437 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Cross TimbersWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsNorthwestern Glaciated PlainsPiedmontWestern Corn Belt PlainsCentral Corn Belt PlainsEastern Corn Belt PlainsNortheastern HighlandsNortheastern Coastal ZoneNorthern Allegheny PlateauNorthern ForestsMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainNorthern PiedmontSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyCentral AppalachiansWestern Allegheny PlateauInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainAcadian Plains and HillsEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Eleocharis tenuis is a slender native sedge that forms narrow clumps of fine, grass-like stems. This wetland plant requires consistently moist to wet conditions and produces small, inconspicuous brown flower spikes in summer.

In an HOA neighborhood

Slender 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 consistently wet soil conditions
  • May appear weedy or unkempt to traditional landscaping standards
  • Very fine texture can look sparse or patchy

Wildlife value

As a sedge, it provides seeds for waterfowl and small birds. The dense clumps offer nesting material and cover for wetland wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Slender Spikerush need?
Slender Spikerush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Slender Spikerush bloom?
Slender Spikerush blooms in June, July, and August.
Where is Slender Spikerush native?
Slender Spikerush (Eleocharis tenuis) is native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 30 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Slender Spikerush toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Slender Spikerush as toxic to livestock.
Is Slender Spikerush HOA-friendly?
Slender 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.

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