Black Spikerush
Eleocharis nigrescens
- Native to:
- Bolivia, Brazil, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Kenya, Malawi, Mexico, Panamá, Paraguay, Sierra Leone, Sudan-South Sudan, Tanzania, Trinidad-Tobago, Uganda, United States, Virgin Islands, Zambia, Zimbabwe
iNaturalist: © jayhorn (iNaturalist #98306967)
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Genus:
- Eleocharis
- Species:
- Eleocharis nigrescens
- USDA Symbol:
- ELNI2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual
- Growth Habit:
- Graminoid
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- waterfowl, shorebirds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- peaty, waterlogged, nutrient-rich soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- tolerates poor drainage
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- commonly found in marshy, swampy areas
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–45 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best when surface-sown in saturated or flooded conditions with light exposure.