Heleocharis parishii

A creeping little spike rush from much of the Southwest interior. Ranging from Utah to Oregon and down to Baja, you will find it in creeks, rivers, and on the edges of ponds and lakes. Occasionally it will be in places that do not look wet, but are just below the surface. These seasonal seeps may only be wet for one week or so every 10 years. That is just enough to get the Parishs Spike Rush established. It will grow to the width of the water source. The size of the plant limits it to edges and openings. It is just too short and petite to compete with most riparian species. In the winter the plant disappears into the ground waiting for spring to dramatically reappear into a green (all be it lumpy) lawn.
Syn. Eleocharis parishii