Blunt spikerush (Eleocharis obtusa, Mant. 2: 89 (1824))

Family: Cyperaceae

Author: (Willd.) Schult.

Bibliography: Mant. 2: 89 (1824)

Year: 1824

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eleocharis

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. America, NE. Argentina

Description

Blunt spikerush, scientifically known as Eleocharis obtusa, is a perennial plant belonging to the Cyperaceae family. This resilient species was first classified by prolific botanist Carl Ludwig Willdenow and later described in greater detail by Schultes in 1824. Known for its distinctive appearance and adaptability, blunt spikerush is native to various regions throughout North America and northeastern Argentina.

Blunt spikerush thrives in wetland habitats, often found growing in shallow waters, marshes, and the moist edges of ponds and streams. It is characterized by its grass-like, spongy stems that can attain heights ranging from a few inches to over a foot. The stems are typically cylindrical, tapering into a blunt tip, which is often topped with a compact, spike-like inflorescence. This inflorescence is crowded with tiny flowers, contributing to the plant’s reproductive success and durability.

The ecological significance of blunt spikerush is considerable, as it provides essential benefits to its habitat. It plays a crucial role in soil stabilization, preventing erosion with its dense root systems that hold sediment in place. Additionally, it offers habitat and food resources for a variety of wildlife, including insects, birds, and aquatic organisms.

Its ability to thrive in various wetland conditions makes Eleocharis obtusa a valuable species for ecological restoration projects. When re-establishing wetlands or improving water quality, blunt spikerush can be introduced to re-vegetate areas, thereby enhancing the overall health and biodiversity of the ecosystem.

In summary, blunt spikerush (Eleocharis obtusa) is a vital component of wetland environments across North America and northeastern Argentina. Its characteristic blunt-tipped stems and spiky inflorescence not only make it identifiable but also highlight its role in preserving ecosystem stability and supporting diverse wildlife. As environmental attention shifts increasingly towards wetland conservation and restoration, the importance of this resilient species remains ever pertinent.

Common Names

Eng: blunt spikerush
Nld: stompe waterbies
Fra: éléocharide obtuse, eléocharide obtuse
En: Blunt spikerush, Blunt Spike-Rush, BLUNT SPIKESEDGE
Nl: Stompe waterbies
Fr: Eléocharide obtuse, Éléocharide obtuse
It: Giunchina delle risaie

Synonyms

• Eleocharis obtusa var. jejuna (Fernald)
• Eleocharis obtusa var. gigantea (Fernald)
• Eleocharis obtusa var. ellipsoidalis (Fernald ex Svenson)
• Trichophyllum obtusum ((Willd.) House)
• Scirpus obtusus (Willd.)
• Eleocharis obtusa var. peasei (Svenson)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• District of Columbia (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Maine (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Virginia (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)
• Belgium (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 18, 2019 by Asha asha (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2020 by Salty Muffin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by kawei ma (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 6, 2018 by vini (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 16, 2013 by EOL − Christopher Tracey (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 7, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 26, 2015 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 26, 2015 by EOL − Bob O’Kennon (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Leaf

Taken Sep 16, 2020 by sandraigor sandraigor (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 25, 2021 by Heather Anne Walter (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2022 by Travis Haber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Matthew Campbell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Fruit

Taken Sep 27, 2018 by Roberta Benetti (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Matthew Campbell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2008 by EOL − David Eickhoff (cc-by)

Taken Feb 7, 2016 by EOL − leannewallisbiologist (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − John Hilty (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2717467)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30094385-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eleocharis obtusa (Willd.) Schult.)

Specifications

Growth