Black Sand Spikerush

Eleocharis pachycarpa

Native to:
Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay
Black Sand Spikerush

Gordon Leppig & Andrea J. Pickart

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Cyperaceae
Genus:
Eleocharis
Species:
Eleocharis pachycarpa
USDA Symbol:
ELPA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
50 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:
moist, nutrient-rich, clay loam
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in wetlands and marshes

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds germinate best when kept saturated or submerged in shallow water. Light may improve germination rates.