Eleocharis palustris

Species category

Weed

Common name

common spikerush, creeping spikeSpike:
Has a strong central axis (rachis) on which flowers or spikelets are directly attached (sessile), e.g. wheatgrasses.
-rush, marsh spikeSpike:
Has a strong central axis (rachis) on which flowers or spikelets are directly attached (sessile), e.g. wheatgrasses.
-rush

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

AcheneAchene:
A dry, hard, one-chambered, one-seeded indehiscent fruit, as in buckwheat (Fagopyrum) or sunflower (Helianthus). The fruit wall is not united with the seed coat.

Shape

ObovateObovate:
Inverted egg shaped with apical end the broadest.
. Cross section is moderately triangular.

Size

  • Length 1.5–2.3 mm
  • Width 0.8–1.3 mm
  • Thickness 0.4–0.6 mm

Color

Brown to black

Texture

TuberculateTuberculate:
Having small pimple-like protuberances.

Other structures

Tubercle (cap) is conic.

Identification notes

Barbed bristles from the base.

Noxious weed seed categories

Not listed

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Cyperaceae

Valid name

Eleocharis palustris (L.) Roem. & Schult.

 Eleocharis palustris.  Achenes with a conic tubercle.
Eleocharis palustris. Achenes with a conic tubercle.
 Eleocharis palustris.  Achenes with barbed bristles from the base.
Eleocharis palustris. Achenes with barbed bristles from the base.