Eleocharis palustris

Eleocharis palustris, also known as Marsh Clubrush or Marsh Spike-rush, is a spreading perennial plant. A characteristic of certain wetlands or marshes, it is decorative for the delicacy and sculptural design of its upright bright green stems and its cream inflorescences that are present throughout the summer. Found at the edge of ponds or submerged in 5 to 10 cm (2 to 4in) of water, it is sometimes used as a purifying plant.

Eleocharis palustris belongs to the family of cyperaceae. It is a cosmopolitan plant, present in the entire circumboreal zone, down to the southern United States. This clubrush forms running rhizomes and has an upright habit, reaching a height of 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24in), with a minimum spread of 30 cm (12in). Its stems are cylindrical, with leaves reduced to 2 truncate brown-yellow sheaths, sometimes reddish at the base, each topped with a short spike of tiny flowers between the layered flat bracts. Flowering is between June and September. This species is difficult to distinguish by its appearance from other species of the same genus. But it differs from bulrush by its isolated stems on long stolons not clustered in a clump.

Eleocharis is very hardy, suitable for pond edges, marshy areas, or even a large container. Allow a significant space due to its somewhat invasive character. Plant it at a depth of 20 centimetres (8 inches), the rhizomes can be submerged under 10 cm (4in) of water. The average planting distance between plants is 30 centimetres (12 inches), in groups of 5 to 10 for a better effect. Marsh Clubrush grows in moist to wet soil and prefers a sunny exposure. The plant can tolerate temperatures down to -45°C (1°F). It may be necessary to remove the flowers to prevent self-seeding.

Marsh Spike-rush is ideal as a ground cover for flooded areas, and it is also very useful for pond purification. It can also be grown in pots.