Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Cyperaceae

Genus:

Eleocharis

Species:

Eleocharis melanostachys

USDA Symbol:

ELME3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

50 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

jan, feb, nov, dec

Bloom Colors:

brown

Garden & Ecology Notes

Minimum Light:

Full Sun

Best Light:

Full Sun

Habitat:

Wetland, Riparian

Wildlife Value:

birds

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Ecology:

Occurs in marshes, wet meadows, lake shores, and saline or brackish flats across temperate and Andean South America, often forming dense emergent rhizomatous colonies.

Soil Requirements

Soil:

silt — also tolerates clay, sandy

pH:

neutral to alkaline

Drainage:

wet

Moisture:

wet

Notes:

Grows in saturated to seasonally inundated mud, silt, and fine textured soils, frequently tolerating alkaline or brackish conditions.