Eleocharis Palustris, commonly called creeping spike rush, is a rhizomatous, wetland obligate perennial of the sedge family. It is native to marshes, wet meadows, springs, rivers, pond/lake margins, shores, ditches and brackish waters throughout the U. S., Canada, Europe and Asia. Round, upright, green stems rise singly or in clusters from plant rhizomes. Stems appear leafless (true leaves are bladeless reddish sheaths clustered at the base of each stem). Stems may grow to as much as 4' tall (height is dependent on the depth of the water in which the plant is growing). The stems provide the photosynthesis for the plant. Each stem is topped by a solitary terminal spikelet of inconspicuous greenish-brown flowers. Plants flower from June to September. Flowers are followed by conical scaly yellow-brown seedheads.

Best in full sun to part shade. Plants are typically grown in ponds, bogs or other shallow water areas, including sites that are permanently or seasonally flooded. Can grow in water up to 3' deep. Spreads by rhizomes!