Freshwater Wetlands/ Slender Spike-rush

COMMON NAME: Slender Spike Rush

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Eleocharis tenuis

FAMILY: Cyperaceae

COMMUNITY: Freshwater Wetlands

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 12 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late May to August

FRUITING TIME: Late May to August

DISTRIBUTION: Statewide in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Spike narrow, elliptical or oval ~ Stem oblong, hair like, scattered or loosely clustered on creeping rhizomes ~ Rhizomes (underground stems) cord-like, purple,

GENERAL INFORMATION: The rush family, Cyperaceae, includes eight genera and approximately three hundred species of grass-like plants.  In ancient times rushes were used to make roofs, writing instruments, bedding, caulking for ships and some were used to make arrows.  A more poetic use was for musical pipes.  In the Middle Ages rushes were used to cover cold stone floors and were swept away when dirty. The genus Eleocharis is from the Greek “Elos” meaning marsh and “charis” meaning grace.  The species tenuis means slender.  Slender Spike Rush is a graceful, slender grass-like plant that grows on the marsh. The presence of rushes indicates damp soil or low meadows. The following rhythm may help distinguish rushes from the similar appearing sedges and grasses: Sedges have edges, Rushes are round, Grasses have joints from the tips to the ground. The stems of rushes are round, like a knitting needle.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.