Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants
AquaticBogsHerbaceous Perennial

Eleocharis palustris

common spike-rush

A perennial sedge with an upright, tufted habit, reaching up to 60cm in height and spreading through creeping rhizomes. It's dark green, solid, cylindrical stems are smooth and topped with delicate, brown, egg-shaped spikelets that appear from May to July. At the base, reddish-purple sheaths provide subtle contrast

Other common names
creeping club-rush
creeping spike-rush
see moresbigfrwynen y gors
Synonyms
Scirpus palustris
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
1–1.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Alkaline, 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 GB / Ireland
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen or Semi evergreen
Habit
Tufted
Name status

Correct

Plant range
Temp. N. Hemisphere

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in moisture-retentive situations such as pond margins. See pond plants and bog gardens for further information

Propagation

Propagate by seed or by division

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.