Sand spikerush facts for kids

Sand spikerush (scientific name: Eleocharis montevidensis) is a type of plant. It is also called a spikesedge. This plant grows in many places along the coasts of North and South America. You can find it in wet, sandy areas. It likes places like lake shores, riverbanks, wet fields, and natural springs.

In North America, it grows in the southern United States. This includes states from California all the way to the Carolinas. It also grows in Mexico, Guatemala, and Honduras. In South America, it is found in Brazil, Peru, Argentina, and Uruguay.

What Sand Spikerush Looks Like

The sand spikerush is a plant that lives for many years. It grows from underground stems called rhizomes. These rhizomes help the plant spread and form clumps or mats. Its stems stand straight up and can grow up to half a meter tall.

The leaves of the sand spikerush are narrow, like grass. They are dark purple or reddish-brown near the bottom. As they go up, they become lighter in color. When the leaves dry, they feel thin and papery.

At the very top of each stem, there is a small, oval-shaped flower cluster. This cluster is called an inflorescence. It is usually less than a centimeter long. Inside this cluster are several tiny flowers. Each flower is covered by brownish leaf-like parts called bracts.

Sometimes, in North America, people have called Eleocharis montevidensis by other names. These names include E. montana or E. palmeri.

Growing Sand Spikerush

People sometimes grow sand spikerush in their gardens. It is a good aquatic plant for water gardens. This means it can grow in water or very wet soil.