Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Eleocharis rostellata is a species of spikesedge known by the common name beaked spikerush. It is widespread across North America (including Mexico, Guatemala and the West Indies), with isolated populations in Argentina. Eleocharis rostellata occurs in many types of wetland habitat, especially saline and alkaline water bodies such as hot springs, fens, and salt marshes. Eleocharis rostellata is a rhizomatous perennial herb growing up to 1. 2 meters tall with spongy, compressible stems. The stem bends and droops and if the tip touches moist soil it may root there and grow more stems. The plant also reproduces by seed and vegetatively by sprouting from bits of rhizome. The inflorescence is a single spikelet up to 2 centimeters long made up of many tiny flowers covered in light brown, sometimes purple-spotted bracts.

Plant type

Grass

Size

3 - 7 ft Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Calscape icon
Color

Green

Flowering season

Spring

Water

High

Soil description

Adaptable, tolerant of sand, loam and clay.

Plant communities

Alkali Sink, Wetland-Riparian

Birds
Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 2 likely

Confirmed Likely

Thopeutis forbesellus