Spike rush is a widespread coastal plant in the Cyperaceae (sedge) family native to the USA. It grows in moist, sandy spots in various habitat locations as lakes, riverbanks, wet meadows, woodlands, and springs. It grows quickly to a height of 6 to 18 inches in erect clumps. Spike rush prefers full sun to partial shade and wet sandy soils. It withstands being submerged in water. The leaves are thin and hair-like, giving it a fine texture, and the flower spikes resemble small cones. This plant can be propagated by root division or seed. All parts of the plant are eaten by many species of waterfowl and shorebirds. Use in small groups or mass planted along pond margins, rain gardens, or wet sites in the landscape. Spike rush can be grown in a 1 to 2 gallon pot covered with 1 to 2 inches of water. It is also used in water gardens and aquariums. Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: It can spread aggressively by rhizomes and seeds.
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.