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Squarestem Spikerush

Eleocharis quadrangulata

Last reviewed: August 2026

Squarestem Spikerush (Eleocharis quadrangulata)
Photo: (c) Laura Clark, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Clark

Toxicity unknown

Squarestem Spikerush (Eleocharis quadrangulata) 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 Squarestem Spikerush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

12"–36" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, AR, CA, CT and 25 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 452 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

Central California Foothills and Coastal MountainsCentral California ValleyCentral Great PlainsCross TimbersEdwards PlateauTexas Blackland PrairiesEast Central Texas PlainsWestern Gulf Coastal PlainSouth Central PlainsEastern Temperate ForestsOzark HighlandsCentral Irregular PlainsPiedmontEastern Corn Belt PlainsSouthern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift PlainsNortheastern Coastal ZoneMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsBlue RidgeRidge and ValleyInterior PlateauInterior River Valleys and HillsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal PlainEastern Great Lakes LowlandsAtlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

Squarestem spikerush is a native wetland grass that forms neat clumps of slender, upright stems. It produces small, inconspicuous flower clusters from late spring through fall and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils.

In an HOA neighborhood

Squarestem 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 constantly wet conditions unsuitable for typical landscapes
  • Grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weeds
  • High water needs conflict with standard irrigation systems

Wildlife value

This plant provides habitat for wetland birds and serves as a host plant for some butterfly and moth larvae. The seeds attract various waterfowl and small birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Squarestem Spikerush need?
Squarestem Spikerush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Squarestem Spikerush bloom?
Squarestem Spikerush blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
Where is Squarestem Spikerush native?
Squarestem Spikerush (Eleocharis quadrangulata) is native to AL, AR, CA, CT and 25 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Is Squarestem Spikerush toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Squarestem Spikerush as toxic to livestock.
Is Squarestem Spikerush HOA-friendly?
Squarestem 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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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