Yellow Spikerush
Eleocharis flavescens
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
8"–24" H × 2"–6" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 30 more states
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Yellow spikerush is a slender, grass-like wetland perennial that forms narrow clumps of bright green stems. It produces small, yellowish flower spikes in summer and thrives in consistently moist to wet conditions. This plant is best suited for rain gardens, pond edges, or other water features where regular irrigation can maintain high moisture levels.
In an HOA neighborhood
Yellow Spikerush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Requires wet conditions unsuitable for typical lawns
- Grass-like appearance may look unintentional
- Limited to specialized wetland applications
Wildlife value
This plant provides habitat and nesting material for wetland birds and supports various small insects. The seeds are eaten by waterfowl and songbirds that frequent wet areas.
Common questions
- How much sun does Yellow Spikerush need?
- Yellow Spikerush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Yellow Spikerush bloom?
- Yellow Spikerush blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Yellow Spikerush native?
- Yellow Spikerush (Eleocharis flavescens) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 30 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Yellow Spikerush HOA-friendly?
- Yellow 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 Yellow Spikerush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
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