Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Eleocharis

Species:

Eleocharis macrostachya

USDA Symbol:

ELMA5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

91 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

may, jun, jul, aug

Bloom Colors:

red, orange, brown

Garden & Ecology Notes

Minimum Light:

Part Sun

Best Light:

Full Sun

Habitat:

Wetland, Salt marsh, Riparian

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Ecology:

Eleocharis macrostachya is an obligate wetland spike-rush forming dense rhizomatous colonies in marshes, wet meadows, vernal pools, and edges of streams and ponds. It provides critical shoreline stabilization, habitat, and cover for aquatic wildlife and waterfowl.

Soil Requirements

Soil:

clay — also tolerates loam, sandy, silt

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (adaptable)

Drainage:

wet

Moisture:

wet

Notes:

Occurs in saturated to seasonally inundated clays, silts, and fine sands. Tolerates moderately alkaline and saline substrates.

Propagation & Germination

Notes:

Seeds require cold moist stratification for 30 to 90 days or direct sowing in consistently saturated mud under light.