Eleocharis palustris - Common Spike-Rush, Native Pond Marginal Plant

Eleocharis palustris, known as common spike-rush, is a UK native of pond, lake and stream margins, fens and marshes. It forms clumps of slender, leafless-looking green stems, each tipped in summer with a small brown flower spike.

Common spike-rush at a glance

Botanical name	Eleocharis palustris
Common name	Common spike-rush
Plant type	Rush-like perennial; spreads by rhizomes
Height and spread	About 25–30 cm tall in a pond (wild plants up to 60 cm)
Flowers	Small brown spikes at the stem tips, June to August, then dark brown seed heads
Position	Full sun or part shade
Soil	Wet mud at the edge of ponds, lakes and streams
Pond depth	0–10 cm of water over the crown
Hardiness	Hardy UK native (no RHS H-rating published)
Native to	UK and Ireland (native wild plant)

Where to plant common spike-rush

The shallow edge of a wildlife pond, 0–10 cm deep
Wet mud by streams and ditches
Full sun or part shade

How to plant and care for it

Plant from spring to late summer in shallow water. It spreads by rhizomes. Cut the stems back to just above the water in autumn.

Is it legal to grow?

Yes. It is a common native plant and is not on any restricted list. Buy nursery-grown plants rather than digging them from the wild.

Which size should I buy?

Bare-root plants (7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive without a pot or compost and are the most economical way to plant a group. Potted plants (9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre) arrive growing in our peat-free compost and give a faster display. Packs of 3 come in 7 cm, 9 cm, 1 litre and 3 litre bare-root sizes and cost less per plant. The 2x Pot & Compost option is two plants supplied with pots and compost.