dwarf spike rush

Eleocharis acuta| dwarf spike rush, common spike rush

 

A mat-forming native sedge found throughout coastal to montane regions, commonly growing along the edges of wet places. It thrives in permanently damp to constantly wet soils and can tolerate prolonged inundation, including periods of full submergence. Quickly colonising freshwater margins, it forms dense stands of upright, mid to dark-green cylindrical stems with small cream to brown spikes from spring to autumn. Hardy and evergreen, it is widely used for wetland planting, riparian margins, pond edges, and bank stabilisation, where it also adds subtle movement and texture to the landscape.

swamps

streamsides

river banks

lake margin

moist

wet

full sun

partial shade

height | 60cm

width | 60cm

flowering | September–January

fruiting |  October–May

This species plays a key ecological role in wetlands: its dense mats stabilise soft soils while providing nesting material and seed food for waterbirds, as well as important habitat for frogs and aquatic insects.