Eleocharis

( el - ee - oh - KAY - riss )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of grass-like rhizomatous sedges is found around the world growing in wet, boggy, marshy, or submerged habitats. They are commonly known as Spikerushes or Spikesedges. Plants produce bright green stems and reduced, scale-like or sheath foliage. The best-known species, Eleocharis dulcis, is the source of edible Chinese Water Chestnuts. Use these sedges in wet, sunny landscapes, for shoreline stabilization, in rain gardens or bioswales, and along pond edges. They can also be grown as members of edible gardens.

Eleocharis Species and Varietals

The genus Eleocharis is a member of the plant family Cyperaceae, and includes over 250 species. They grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-11, thriving in boggy or submerged soils. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Eleocharis acicularis (Needle Spikerush, Least Spikerush)
These plants have a widespread distribution, and can be annual or perennial, depending on the climate they are cultivated in. They can reach up to 6 inches tall and grow from a creeping rhizome, preferring boggy conditions to thrive. Flowers are very tiny and bloom on short spikes. Commonly used in aquascaping.

Eleocharis dulcis (Water Chestnut, Chinese Water Chestnut)
This grass-like sedge plant is native to Asia, tropical Africa, and Oceania. The cultivated root is not actually a nut, but an aquatic vegetable that grows in marshes, under water, or in muddy conditions. Individual plants reach up to between 1 and 3 feet tall and have bright green, erect stems. Edible tubers typically take around 7-8 months (210-240 days) to fully mature to harvestable size (about 1.5 inches).

Caring for Eleocharis

Plant Eleocharis in a space in the landscape that receives full sun; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms. These plants are perfect for constantly waterlogged soils, and should not be planted in regular garden soil. They prefer their substrate to have a pH of between 6.0 and 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. These plants do not need to be watered as they are constantly submerged. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms.

Harvesting Eleocharis
The species Eleocharis dulcis is widely grown for its edible roots (called Chinese Water Chestnuts), which are harvested in fall, 7-8 months after planting. Allow the foliage to completely die back to the ground in late wintertime, and dig up the roots. Separate large and medium sized chestnuts for eating; smaller ones can be saved and replanted for the next growing season. To store, keep them submerged in fresh, cold water in a sealed container, changing the water daily to maintain freshness. Fresh, unpeeled Chinese Water Chestnuts can be stored in the refrigerator for between 7 and 10 days in a paper bag or similar container, ideally in the produce drawer.

Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.

Propagation

Eleocharis plants are best propagated via division. These plants will also re-seed freely in the landscape, providing seedlings that can be dug up and transplanted elsewhere. To propagate your Eleocharis by division of existing plants, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Eleocharis by Division
To propagate via division, you will need a clean shovel, clean pruning saw (optional), extra pots if you are not going to immediately plant your divisions in the ground, and well-draining soil to fill the pots. To propagate by division, follow the instructions below:

In early fall or early springtime, identify the area of plants you're going to divide. Start by loosening the soil around the plant with your shovel, working your way inward to avoid causing damage to the bulbs. Once you've gotten your clump out of the ground, run water over it or simply shake it to remove excess dirt. Then, lay it out on its side.
Separate the clump into multiple pieces, each with a healthy root system and adequate above-ground growth.
Prepare the planting area, whether it is a container or bed in the garden, and then plant the divisions. Afterwards, resume regular care.