Family: Cyperaceae
needle spike-rush
[Eleocharis acicularis f. acicularis (L.) Roem. & Schult., more... ]
Etymology: Eleocharis: Greek elos for "marsh" and charis for grace, referring to marsh plant
Plants: erect, perennial, 1-6" tall, semi-aquatic, emergent sedge; stems very thin and short; fine spreading rhizomes
Leaves: only sheaths at stem base
Flowers: tiny, covered with scales with greenish midrib; inflorescence solitary, oval spikelet wider at stem end
Fruits: rounded nutlet with tubercule (cap) on top
Habitat: wet; shores, water to 6' deep
Conservation Status: Native
Plants: erect, perennial, 1-6" tall, semi-aquatic, emergent sedge; stems very thin and short; fine spreading rhizomes
Leaves: only sheaths at stem base
Flowers: tiny, covered with scales with greenish midrib; inflorescence solitary, oval spikelet wider at stem end
Fruits: rounded nutlet with tubercule (cap) on top
Habitat: wet; shores, water to 6' deep
Conservation Status: Native
Flora of North America: Flora of North America Floristic Rating: Coefficient of Conservatism = 5, Wetland Indicator = OBL USDA Plants Database: Federal Distribution and detailed information including photos