Eleocharis quadrangulata
Squarestem spikerush, Squarestem Spikerush
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Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Grass · Native
Eleocharis quadrangulata (Squarestem spikerush) is a native California grass in the Cyperaceae family, recognized by 13 co-occurring species; large size, 4-angled stems, and very long spikes.
Squarestem spikerush is a native perennial found in the Great Valley in freshwater ponds at elevations of 10 to 600 meters. Flowering during summer, this plant produces pale flowers in cylindrical spikes 15 to 76 millimeters long. Growing with distinctive 4-angled stems 40 to 100 centimeters tall, it has a robust rhizomatous root system. Its leaf sheaths are firm and persistent, with acute to acuminate tips that may or may not develop blade-like extensions. The fruit is small, approximately 2 to 3 millimeters long, with distinctive transverse-elongate cellular patterns on its surface.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 13 co-occurring species; large size, 4-angled stems, and very long spikes are diagnostic
Habitat and range
Habitat: Local. Freshwater ponds
Elevation: 10-600 m
California counties: Butte, Merced, Tehama, Sacramento, Shasta, Yuba
Outside California: Oregon, Wisconsin to Massachusetts, Tennessee, Florida
Bloom period
Eleocharis quadrangulata 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 quadrangulata native to California?
Yes. Eleocharis quadrangulata is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Eleocharis quadrangulata bloom?
Eleocharis quadrangulata blooms Summer.
Where in California does Eleocharis quadrangulata grow?
Eleocharis quadrangulata occurs in Butte, Merced, Tehama, Sacramento, Shasta, Yuba, at elevations of 10-600 m.
What plant family does Eleocharis quadrangulata belong to?
Eleocharis quadrangulata is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Eleocharis.
What habitat does Eleocharis quadrangulata grow in?
Eleocharis quadrangulata grows in Local. Freshwater ponds.
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.