Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Eleocharis

Species:

Eleocharis compressa

USDA Symbol:

ELCO2

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

brown

Ground Cover:

Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

waterfowl, shorebirds

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rhizomes after fire. Often increases in density following prescribed burns in wetland margins.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, sandy to silty soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in wetland areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds require moist to wet conditions and light for germination. Cold stratification improves germination rates.