Needle Spikerush (Eleocharis acicularis)
Eleocharis acicularis

Deciduous Perennial

Eleocharis acicularis, commonly known as needle spike-rush or hairgrass, is a diminutive, aquatic perennial sedge that thrives in shallow, freshwater habitats. This delicate plant is valued for its ability to create captivating, carpet-like groundcovers in wetland gardens and aquatic features.

Growing only 3-6 inches tall, Eleocharis acicularis forms dense, emerald-green tufts composed of slender, needle-like leaves. These fine, grass-like foliage blades radiate out from the plant's creeping rhizomes, creating a lush, low-growing mat that gently sways with the movement of water.

Undemanding in its cultural requirements, this spike-rush species prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate a wide range of water depths, from submerged conditions to saturated, boggy soils. Its shallow, fibrous root system allows it to establish readily in moist, nutrient-rich substrates, making it an excellent choice for integrating into rain gardens, pond edges, and wetland restoration projects.

Beyond its ornamental appeal, Eleocharis acicularis serves as a valuable habitat plant, providing food and shelter for numerous aquatic invertebrates, amphibians, and waterfowl. Its dense, mat-forming growth also helps to prevent soil erosion and filter water runoff in sensitive environments.

Eleocharis acicularis's diminutive stature, resilient nature, and ecological benefits make it a versatile and highly desirable choice for creating captivating, low-maintenance aquatic and wetland-inspired plantings.
 

Plant Data

Mature Size 3 - 6 inches tall. 3 - 6 inches wide.
Sun Exposure Full Sun - Full Sun
Moisture Tolerance Wet
Zones 2a - 6b (Usually hardy to -50° F)
Tags Deciduous, Full Sun, Perennial, Wet
Bloom Period July - October
Flower Color White
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Pricing and Availability History

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Limited Availability

We try very hard to source exactly what you’d like, but sometimes growers run out of plants! While this variety is a great deal at the price shown, we know that it has limited availability. If you want the plant even if it might be more expensive, or in a different size or quantity -- after you place your order, just send us a quick note at help@northshoreplantclub.com. Then, we’ll try to get you some version of this from one of our growers. And if we can’t get it from anywhere, of course, we’ll send a refund!


Field-Grown vs. Greenhouse-Grown Plants

Plants which are well-adapted to our local climate are most often field-grown (outside). Field-grown plants are generally cheaper and have the advantage of already somewhat acclimated to our cold winters, but that means they’re not artificially far along in the spring and tend to bloom at the normal time in our area.

Spring annuals and tender perennials are typically grown in Greenhouses so they can be ready and luxurious exactly when customers want them. Some perennials are also “forced” into early bloom in greenhouses. In May, there can be a very big difference between field-grown and greenhouse-grown plants of the same type. The latter typically look good right away (so they’re a great choice where that’s important), but we typically pay a premium for it.


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No Pricing or Availability Right Now

We order from a rotating cast of the best nurseries in the Great Lakes region. It looks like we've offered this plant in the past, but the nurseries we're working with this week don't appear to have it in stock at the moment.

Our goal is to bring as many plants together under "one roof" as possible, so we'll try hard to make it available again in the future!