Creeping Spike Rush

An unusual, ancient-looking plant of wetlands, this species has long, upright stems which appear to be leafless, with a single insignificant brownish flower at the top (June-September), which turns to a small brown seed capsule, giving the whole plant the silhouette of upright matches, which may grow in a long line along an underground rhizome. Quite variable in height due to the adaptability of the species, it can grow up to several feet tall when growing in several feet of water, with just the tops of the stems showing above the water's surface, and can be found anywhere from coastal bogs, to consistently wet low areas in fields, to streamsides, to several feet out into a lake. Because of its adaptability around wet areas, it's quite good at stabilizing banks and helping with erosion in wet places, and is tolerant of salt and brackish water, sand, silt, clay standing water, and (perhaps obviously), frequent flooding. It is also tolerant of variations in moisture conditions (for example, long-standing floodwaters receding), provided the soil remains quite moist. This species spreads by rhizomes, and the genus name translates roughly to "Marsh Grace." It has high ecological value as well, and is eaten by waterfowl, which also use its long, slender stems as nesting material.

0.4 to 4 foot tall
Plant Hardiness Zones: 2b-8b
Perennial
Deer Resistant

Native Range: Native throughout the continental US, with the exception of Florida. Also native throughout the southern provinces of Canada. Considered rare in NC, SC, and GA

Creeping Spike Rush in a 3.5 inch pot $13.50

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