Eleocharis vivipara, commonly known as Viviparous Spikerush, is a perennial herb often found in wetlands, marshes, and shallow water bodies in the Southeastern USA. It typically forms dense clumps of slender, grass-like stems that can reach up to 3 feet in height. The plant is characterized by its unique reproductive strategy, where a spike of small, greenish flowers emerges at the stem tips, and it can also propagate vegetatively through plantlets that form on the stem and via runners. Viviparous Spikerush is not commonly known for showy flowers but is valued for its ability to thrive in aquatic environments.

This species is often used in water gardens, aquariums, and for erosion control in riparian zones due to its affinity for wet conditions and its dense growth habit. It requires consistent moisture and can even grow submerged in water, making it suitable for pond edges and bog gardens. It prefers part shade to full shade and can adapt to a variety of soil types, provided they are wet or have poor drainage. While not typically prone to diseases, it can become invasive if conditions allow for unchecked growth.CC BY-SA 4.0