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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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.

Squarestem Spikerush

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Eleocharis quadrangulata

Last reviewed: June 2026

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

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains

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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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 USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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

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