Illinois Native Plant Guide - Blunt Spike Rush - Pages 74-75

Illinois Native Plant Guide

Blunt Spike Rush
Eleocharis obtusa

Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance

Mudflat species. Needs saturated soil. Species tolerates inundation to a depth of 6 inches.

Wildlife Value

Rhizomes and achenes are eaten by waterfowl. Also provides food for rails, muskrat, and rabbit.

Application/Zone

Used in upper shoreline zones, for streambank stabilization, and in vegetated swales.

Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance

• Annual. Spreads by seed where there is no competition.
• Requires drawdown for seeds to germinate.

Blunt Spike Rush
Eleocharis obtusa

Mature Height
12-18 inches

Plant Type
Annual tufted herb

Indicator Status
Obligate

pH
Not available

Nutrient Load Tolerance
Moderate to high

Salt Tolerance
Low to moderate

Siltation Tolerance
Low

Flowering Color and Time
Brown
June to October

Light Preference
Full sun

Seeding Rate
.02 - .4 lbs/acre

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