Eleocharis gracilis

Slender Spike-sedge

Slender leafless tufted or solitary perennial herb spreading by short underground stems. Flowering stems round or flattened, grooved.

FamilyCyperaceae
StoreyLower storey
Size20 cm high
Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
LeavesLeaf sheath at base of stem oblique with small point.
Flower colourRed-brown
Flowering timeOctober to June
FlowersTerminal oblong spikelet often wider than stem, 5-9 mm x 2-4 mm. 5-6 flattened, pale brown toothed bristles from base of shiny golden-brown nut.
Bird attractingHabitat - nesting and/or safety
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsSeasonally wet soils, tolerating drying out in summer, in mountain swamp gum woodland. Semi shade.
Garden usePlant around pools and in wet or boggy areas.
Commercially availableWholesale only - order in advance
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from very few local sites. More common outside the Shire boundary.