Eleocharis sphacelata

Tall Spike Rush

Wetland Planting Zone: Deep Marsh
Approved Format: 600cc
Family: Cyperaceae
Form: Eleocharis sphacelata is a spreading perennial aquatic sedge with flowering stems to 5m tall
Foliage: The foliage is reduced to a small tip on a sheath around the flowering stems
Flowers: Flowers are small, brown and bract-like, grouped in 6cm cylindrical clusters at the end of the flwoering stems, Spring-Summer
Fruit: Straw to golden brown coloured nut, 2-2.7mm with bristles at base
Habitat: Tall Spike-Sedge lives in still or slow moving fresh water to 5m deep
Distinctive Features: Tall segmented, straw-like cylindrical culms (flowering stems)
Similar Species: Schoenoplectus tabernaemontani and Baumea articulata are similar size, but have branched flowering spikelets and sharp-pointed leaves
Comments: E. sphacelata is an important habitat and source of nesting material for water birds.