Eleocharis acicularis

RHS Plant Profile
needle spike-rush

Other common names

hair grass, needle rush, sbigfrwynen leiaf, slender spike-rush

Synonyms

Heleocharis acicularis, Scirpus acicularis

Aquatic Bogs Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen, spreading, perennial sedge growing as a marginal water plant or submerged in up to 40cm of water. Very narrow, grass-like leaves grow up to 15cm tall when submerged and form a spreading carpet; tiny brown spikelets are borne on unbranched stems in summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

1.5-2.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
1.5-2.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cyperaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Submerged, Tufted
Genus
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Temp N Hemis to W S Amer.

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive situations such as pond margins, submerged to a depth of 40cm. See pond plants and bog gardens for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free