Square Rush Eleocharis quadrangulata
Other Common Name(s):
Previously known as:
- Eleocharis quadrangulata var. crassior
- Scirpus quadrangulatus
- Phonetic Spelling
- el-ee-OK-ar-iss kwad-ran-gew-LAY-tuh
- Description
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Square-stem spikerush is a native spikesedge found in central and eastern North America with additional populations in the Pacific states and central Mexico. It is found growing along freshwater bodies of water, such as lakes, ponds, streams and along river and lake shores.
This rhizomatous sedge has a sharply 4-angled spongy stem and grows 2-3 feet tall. The blooms are on a single spikelet with several small flowers covered in brown bracts that occur during the summer. The leaves are sheaths near the base of the stem. The plant is not aggressive and spreads slowly by rhizomes.
This plant can be used in shallow freshwater sites in full sun. It tolerates wet soils to standing water up to 12 inches. This plant provides shelter to aquatic animals and food to various birds. It may be difficult to find for sale.
Quick ID hints
- Slow rhizomatous spreader
- Culms acutely quadrangular
- Flowers-perianth bristles
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: No significant problems
- See this plant in the following landscape:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
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- Tags:
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Attributes:
- Genus:
- Eleocharis
- Species:
- quadrangulata
- Family:
- Cyperaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Water gardens and wetlands
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Division
- Seed
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- USA, Canada, Mexico
- Distribution:
- AL , AR , CA , CT , DC , DE , FL , GA , IL , IN , KS , KY , LA , MA , MD , MI , MO , MS , NC , NJ , NY , OH , OK , OR , PA , SC , TN , TX , VA , WI , WV
- Wildlife Value:
- Provides food for ducks and geese and shelter for amphibians, fish and other aquatic wildlife
- Play Value:
- Wildlife Cover/Habitat
- Wildlife Food Source
- Dimensions:
- Height: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
- Width: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Herbaceous Perennial
- Native Plant
- Ornamental Grasses and Sedges
- Water Plant
- Habit/Form:
- Erect
- Growth Rate:
- Slow
- Maintenance:
- Medium
- Texture:
- Medium
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Loam (Silt)
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Frequent Standing Water
- Occasionally Wet
- Available Space To Plant:
- Less than 12 inches
- NC Region:
- Coastal
- Mountains
- Piedmont
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b
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Fruit:
- Fruit Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Gold/Yellow
- Display/Harvest Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Winter
- Fruit Type:
- Achene
- Fruit Length:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Width:
- < 1 inch
- Fruit Description:
- The fruit is a seed, surrounded by scales. Yellow-brown oval achene that is wider in the middle, and tapered at each end. Stripes/ridges run from end to end.
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Brown/Copper
- Orange
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Fall
- Summer
- Flower Size:
- < 1 inch
- Flower Description:
- Spikelets of tiny flowers covered in brown bracts occurring during the summer.
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Leaves:
- Leaf Color:
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Sheath
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Alternate
- Leaf Shape:
- Linear
- Leaf Margin:
- Entire
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Width:
- < 1 inch
- Leaf Description:
- Leaves are bladeless sheaths near the base of the stems. Above the waterline, they are green, while below the waterline they are white.
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Stem:
- Stem Color:
- Green
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Form:
- Straight
- Stem Description:
- Spongy, square green stem
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Coastal
- Naturalized Area
- Pond
- Riparian
- Landscape Theme:
- Native Garden
- Rain Garden
- Water Garden
- Design Feature:
- Mass Planting
- Small groups
- Attracts:
- Frogs
- Small Mammals
- Songbirds
- Resistance To Challenges:
- Deer
- Wet Soil
