Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Eleocharis

Species:

Eleocharis macrostachya

USDA Symbol:

ELMA5

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

100 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jun,jul,aug,sep

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

waterfowl, shorebirds, muskrats

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts from rhizomes following fire in wetland prairie or marsh habitats.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

moist, nutrient-rich, clay or loam

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Common in wetlands and marshes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate best when surface-sown on saturated soil or in shallow standing water. Light may improve germination.