Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Eleocharis radicans is a species of spikesedge known by the common name rooted spikerush. This aquatic or semi-aquatic plant is native to the Americas as far north as Virginia and northern California. It grows in wet places such as streams, lakes, bogs, and moist meadows, where it roots on soaked ground or floats in the water. This is a rhizomatous, mat-forming perennial with thread-thin, spongy stems. It may have several thin leaves. The stems are topped with papery spikelets about half a centimeter long at maximum size and containing 4 to 12 flowers, each covered with a light-colored leaf. The fruit is a minute white or yellow achene less than a millimeter long.

Plant type

Grass

Size

3 ft Tall

Calscape icon
Color

Yellow, White

Sun

Full Sun

Water

High

Soil drainage

Standing

Site type

Marshes, lake edges

Plant communities

Wetland-Riparian

Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 1 likely

Confirmed Likely