Common Spike-rush
Eleocharis palustris
The common spike-rush is a perennial herbaceous plant reaching heights of 10 to 100 centimeters. It is characterized by pithy, leafless, cylindrical stems surrounded by brownish leaf sheaths at the base. The plant forms extensive creeping rhizomes, allowing it to create dense stands in riparian zones and shallow waters.
Details
Oxygen production
Minor oxygen input into the sediment via the aerenchyma.
Habitat function
Serves as spawning substrate for fish and hiding place for amphibian larvae.
Nutrient uptake
High capacity for uptake of nitrogen and phosphorus from water and soil.
Food source for
Seeds for waterfowl; rhizomes for rodents such as the European water vole.
Human use
Used in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment; formerly occasionally used as weaving material.
Ecology
Ecological role
Pioneer plant in silting zones; stabilizes sediment and provides habitat for macrozoobenthos.
Natural predators
Waterfowl, muskrats, various insect larvae.
Competitor species
Other sedges, common reed (Phragmites australis) during progressive silting.
Ecosystem service
Shoreline stabilization, nutrient retention, provision of nesting substrate for birds.
Threats
Destruction of wetlands, intensive grazing of shores, drainage.
Scientific profile
Profile
Reproduction
Reproduction occurs generatively via nutlets (seeds) dispersed by water or birds, and very effectively vegetatively via extensive creeping, branched rhizomes that form dense mats.
Protection & threats
Main threats
Loss of wetlands due to drainage, intensive grazing of shore zones, and heavy eutrophication leading to displacement by more competitive species like common reed.