Giant spikerush is a perennial grasslike rush in the Cyperaceae (sedge) family that grows in the margins of ponds and lakes. It has an upright habit with stems that emerge from thick rhizomes and can reach 4 feet tall. It has no leaves, but it does have long sheaths at the stem base that are often tinged dark-red. The inflorescence is a single, long, cylindrical spikelet at the tip of the stem that is covered with brown, broadly rounded scales. The spikelet has up to 140 small flowers that mature into small, shiny nutlets. The flowers may not be considered showy, however, they are interesting. The stem is segmented with light green lines showing the segment walls. Spreading by rhizomes, large patches of giant spikerush can be formed. This plant grows in freshwater wetlands in full sun and is found in TX, GA and FL in this country but also in Mexico and South America. Ducks, geese, and muskrats all eat portions of this plant. Submerged portions of the plant provide protection to a variety of fish and other water wildlife. Use along ponds and bogs. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems Salt water and spray can cause the leaves to burn.
Curated pairwise relationships between this plant and others in the library — who feeds
whom, who competes, who confuses the pests. Green reads as a good pairing, red as one to avoid.
No curated interactions recorded for this species yet.
Also noted by NC State
Related species the NC State Plant Toolbox flags for this plant — look-alikes to tell
apart, and plants that play a similar role in a planting. Ones we carry in the library are linked.