White Spikerush
Eleocharis albida
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
4"–24" H × 2"–12" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Native to
AL, FL, GA, LA and 7 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
White spikerush is a delicate wetland grass that forms small clumps of thin, upright stems topped with white seed heads. It thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions and produces its distinctive spiky blooms from May through September. This plant is best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or other areas with reliable moisture.
In an HOA neighborhood
White Spikerush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires wet conditions that may appear swampy
- Can look unkempt or weedy to conventional standards
- May spread beyond intended areas in moist conditions
Wildlife value
This native wetland plant provides seeds for waterfowl and small birds. The dense growth habit offers nesting sites and shelter for amphibians and beneficial insects in wet areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does White Spikerush need?
- White Spikerush grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does White Spikerush bloom?
- White Spikerush blooms in May, June, July, August, and September.
- Where is White Spikerush native?
- White Spikerush (Eleocharis albida) is native to AL, FL, GA, LA and 7 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is White Spikerush HOA-friendly?
- White 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 White Spikerush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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