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AquaticHerbaceous PerennialBogs

Eleocharis acicularis

needle spike-rush

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

Other common names
hair grass
needle rush
see moreslender spike-rush
sbigfrwynen leiaf
Synonyms
Scirpus acicularis
Heleocharis acicularis
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Brown Green
Autumn Green
Winter Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Botanical details
Family
Cyperaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Submerged, Tufted
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

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

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