Mountain Spikerush

Eleocharis montana

Native to:
Argentina, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Galápagos, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Jamaica, Leeward Is., Mexico, Nicaragua, Panamá, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Suriname, United States, Uruguay, Virgin Islands

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cyperaceae
Genus:
Eleocharis
Species:
Eleocharis montana
USDA Symbol:
ELMO

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

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
waterfowl, shorebirds
Deer Resistant:
Yes

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich, clayey soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
Commonly found in wetlands and marshy areas

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–45 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best in wet or saturated soil conditions with exposure to light.

Pre-treatment: Cold-moist stratification for 30 days at 1–5°C (34–41°F).

Source: Claude AI