Eleocharis sp.
Spikerush, Spikerush
Family: Cyperaceae · Type: Perennial · Variable; species dependent
Eleocharis sp. (Spikerush) is a non-native California perennial in the Cyperaceae family.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Wetland obligates
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 sp. native to California?
No. Eleocharis sp. is not native to California (recorded as variable; species dependent).
What plant family does Eleocharis sp. belong to?
Eleocharis sp. is in the Cyperaceae family, genus Eleocharis.
What habitat does Eleocharis sp. grow in?
Eleocharis sp. grows in Wetland obligates.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
- Eleocharis suksdorfiana — Suksdorf's spikerush
- Eleocharis tenuis var. tenuis — Slender spikerush
- Eleocharis torticulmis — California twisted spikerush
- Eleocharis acicularis — Needle spikerush
- Eleocharis acicularis var. acicularis — Needle spike rush
- Eleocharis acicularis var. gracilescens — Needle spike rush
- Eriophorum gracile — Slender cottongrass
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-04-14
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.