Eleocharis geniculata
Bent spikerush
(c) Jay Horn, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jay Horn · licence
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Eleocharis geniculata (Bent spikerush) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by 12 co-occurring species; black mature fruits and red-brown bristles.
Bent spikerush is a California native annual found in southern California coastal, Peninsular Ranges, San Bernardo Mountains, and Desert regions in wet, often brackish places at elevations below 1,500 meters. Flowering from spring to winter, this plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers in compact spikes less than 1 centimeter long. Growing in dense tufts with slender, cylindric stems 5 to 45 centimeters tall, it forms delicate clumps in wet habitats. Its leaves are characterized by firm, persistent sheaths with acute tips, and the plant produces tiny black fruits with 4 to 8 vestigial reddish-brown perianth bristles. This diminutive spikerush is distinguished by its thin stems and ability to thrive in brackish wetland environments.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 12 co-occurring species; black mature fruits and red-brown bristles are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Uncommon, very local in California. Wet, often brackish places
Elevation: < 1500 m
California counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego
Outside California: to southern Ontario, Florida, Mexico, West Indies, South America, Asia, Africa, Pacific Islands
Bloom period
Eleocharis geniculata blooms Spring-winter.
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 geniculata native to California?
Yes. Eleocharis geniculata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eleocharis geniculata bloom?
Eleocharis geniculata blooms Spring-winter.
Where in California does Eleocharis geniculata grow?
Eleocharis geniculata occurs in Riverside, San Bernardino, Imperial, Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, at elevations of < 1500 m.
What plant family does Eleocharis geniculata belong to?
Eleocharis geniculata is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Eleocharis.
What habitat does Eleocharis geniculata grow in?
Eleocharis geniculata grows in Uncommon, very local in California. Wet, often brackish places.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.