Eleocharis – Hairgrass, Spike Rushes
There are a number of Eleocharis species but the Hairgrass, Eleocharis acicularis, is probably the most important. It is one of a few submerged aquatic plants that is not bunched, but planted in tiny clumps. A dwarf-growing relative of the pond sedges, it spreads across the top of the compost in a planting basket like a carpet of seedling grass. Rarely growing more than 3 to 4cm tall it is also perfect for planting in small water features and containers. It is not tolerant of shade, but will cope well with moving water. Propagation is by division at any time during the summer months.
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 Eleocharis acicularis
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| The other Eleocharis are marginal aquatics and known as Spike Rushes. The Common Spike Rush, E.acuta, produces spiky clumps of almost needle-like foliage topped with a small group of brownish infloresences. Eleocharis cylindrostachys is referred to as Spike Rush, and appropriately yields dense clumps of pointed foliage up to 60cm tall, although these are somewhat pendulous towards the tips. The Giant Spike Rush, E.sphacelata, has tall straight foliage with tiny white terminal flowering spikes at the tips. Although usually cultivated for its tubers, which can be eaten either raw or cooked, the Chinese Water Chestnut, E.dulcis, is also a useful plant for the larger ornamental pond.
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 Eleocharis dulcis
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It has large clumps of narrow, mid-green, spiky stems, which occasionally bear small dull brownish-white flower spikes. However, in the autumn its foliage, which can be up to 1m high, usually takes on attractive orange to crimson autumnal tints. All the species described are native and best-suited to the larger, more informal or wildlife pond. Spike Rushes should be planted during spring and summer.
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Use either a heavy loam soil or aquatic planting compost. Top-dress the compost with washed gravel to prevent the compost dispersing into the water. Remove any faded leaves and during the summer feed with an aquatic plant fertilizer. Propagation is by division in the spring or early summer. Apart from the species described, there are a number of other Eleocharis which appear in cultivation from time to time. However, for the most part these are weedy plants that merit little attention except for the more extensive natural water garden.
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 Eleocharis sphacelata
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