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White Spikerush

Eleocharis albida

Last reviewed: October 2026

White Spikerush (Eleocharis albida)
Photo: (c) Sam Kieschnick, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sam Kieschnick

Toxicity unknown

White Spikerush (Eleocharis albida) 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

part sun

Water

high

Size

4"–24" H × 2"–12" W

Bloom

May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

AL, FL, GA, LA and 6 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 459 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

Western Gulf Coastal PlainMiddle Atlantic Coastal PlainSoutheastern PlainsMississippi Alluvial PlainSouthern Coastal Plain

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.

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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 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records 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 vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. 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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