Purple Spikerush
Eleocharis atropurpurea
- Native to:
- Afghanistan, Argentina, Aruba, Australia, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Benin, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Burkina, Burundi, Canada, Cayman Is., Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Congo, Costa Rica, Cuba, DR Congo, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Galápagos, Ghana, Guinea, Hainan, India, Iran, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Jawa, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Namibia, Nepal, Netherlands Antilles, New Guinea, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Senegal, Somalia, South Africa, Sudan-South Sudan, Sumatera, Tadzhikistan, Taiwan, Tanzania, Togo, Türkiye, Uganda, United States, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Zambia, Zimbabwe
iNaturalist: © peterzika (iNaturalist #94210527)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Eleocharis
- Species:
- Eleocharis atropurpurea
- USDA Symbol:
- ELAT
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 15 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep,oct
- Bloom Colors:
- brown
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, shorebirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- moist, sandy to loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- often found in wetlands and marshes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best in saturated or flooded conditions with full light. Fluctuating water levels may improve germination.