Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Eleocharis montevidensis is a species of spikesedge known by the common name sand spikerush. It is native to South America and as far north as the southernmost United States from California to the Deep South, where it grows in moist, sandy spots in many habitat types, including lakes, riverbanks, wet meadows, and springs. It is sometimes cultivated as an aquatic plant for water gardens. This is a rhizomatous perennial herb forming tufts or mats of erect, firm stems up to half a meter tall. The narrow grasslike leaves are dark purplish or reddish brown at the bases, becoming lighter in color toward the tips, and drying to a thin, papery texture. The flower cluster is an oval-shaped spikelet appearing at the tip of the stem. It is under a centimeter long and made up of several flowers covered in brownish leafs.

Plant type

Grass

Size

2 ft Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Brown

Special uses

Water features or wet habitats, Groundcover

Sun

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Water

High

Soil drainage

Fast

Soil description

Grows well in moist, sandy spots.
Soil PH: 5.1 - 7.6

Sunset Zones

4, 5, 6, 7*, 8, 9, 10, 14*, 15*, 16*, 17*, 18*, 19*, 20*, 21*, 22*, 23*, 24*

Site type

Moist, often sandy openings

Plant communities

Red Fir Forest, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 2 likely

Confirmed Likely

Thopeutis forbesellus