Eleocharis bernardina
Fewflower spikerush
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Perennial · Native
Eleocharis bernardina (Fewflower spikerush) is a native California perennial in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by 13 co-occurring species; high elevation habitat and arched stems.
Fewflower spikerush is a California native perennial found in the Transverse Ranges in fresh wet meadows and fens within conifer forest at elevations of 2,100 to 2,700 meters. Flowering during summer, this plant produces small spikelets 3 to 6 millimeters long with delicate flower bracts. Growing with strongly arched stems 5 to 15 centimeters tall and a weak rhizome, it forms compact clusters in moist mountain habitats. Its leaf sheaths are firm and persistent, with a subtly truncate or wide-obtuse tip that distinguishes it from similar wetland sedges. The fruits are small, two to three-sided, with fine net-like veining and often featuring a subtle beak-like tip crowned by unequal perianth bristles.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 co-occurring species; high elevation habitat and arched stems are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Very local. Fresh wet meadows, fens in conifer forest
Elevation: 2100-2700 m
Outside California: Baja California
Bloom period
Eleocharis bernardina blooms Summer.
How to tell it apart
vs Carex: Eleocharis has single spikelet with no bracts below, Carex has leafy bracts and multiple spikes.; vs Isolepis: Eleocharis has no bracts below spikelet, Isolepis has conspicuous leaf-like bracts extending beyond flowers.; vs Schoenoplectus: Eleocharis has single terminal spikelet, Schoenoplectus has multiple spikelets in clusters.; vs Juncus: Eleocharis spikelets are flattened oval, Juncus flowers are round with visible petals in clusters.; vs Equisetum: Eleocharis has grass-like stems with flower spikelets, Equisetum has jointed hollow stems with cone-like structures.
Frequently asked questions
Is Eleocharis bernardina native to California?
Yes. Eleocharis bernardina is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eleocharis bernardina bloom?
Eleocharis bernardina blooms Summer.
What plant family does Eleocharis bernardina belong to?
Eleocharis bernardina is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Eleocharis.
What habitat does Eleocharis bernardina grow in?
Eleocharis bernardina grows in Very local. Fresh wet meadows, fens in conifer forest.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-06
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.