Description
Eleocharis palustris, known as common spike-rush, is a UK native of pond, lake and stream margins, fens and marshes. It forms clumps of slender, leafless-looking green stems, each tipped in summer with a small brown flower spike.
Common spike-rush at a glance
| Botanical name |
Eleocharis palustris |
| Common name |
Common spike-rush |
| Plant type |
Rush-like perennial; spreads by rhizomes |
| Height and spread |
About 25–30 cm tall in a pond (wild plants up to 60 cm) |
| Flowers |
Small brown spikes at the stem tips, June to August, then dark brown seed heads |
| Position |
Full sun or part shade |
| Soil |
Wet mud at the edge of ponds, lakes and streams |
| Pond depth |
0–10 cm of water over the crown |
| Hardiness |
Hardy UK native (no RHS H-rating published) |
| Native to |
UK and Ireland (native wild plant) |
Where to plant common spike-rush
- The shallow edge of a wildlife pond, 0–10 cm deep
- Wet mud by streams and ditches
- Full sun or part shade
How to plant and care for it
Plant from spring to late summer in shallow water. It spreads by rhizomes. Cut the stems back to just above the water in autumn.
Is it legal to grow?
Yes. It is a common native plant and is not on any restricted list. Buy nursery-grown plants rather than digging them from the wild.
Which size should I buy?
Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.
