COLUMBIA, SC
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Slender Spikerush

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Slender Spikerush

Slender Spikerush

There are many species of spike rush and they are difficult to identify without using detailed botanical keys. In general, spike rushes are small (although some reach heights of 4 feet) perennial plants are often confused with the smaller species of rushes, grasses, or sedges. Slender spike rush can grow completely underwater and appear as a submerged plant.

Spike rushes can grow in shallow water or moist soils and grow from rhizomes. Stems are unbranched with sheaths around the base but can be round, square, or flattened depending on the species. All spike rushes have small fruiting spikes at the tips of the stem.

Submerged portions of all aquatic plants provide habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish and other wildlife species (e.g. amphibians, reptiles, ducks, etc.). After aquatic plants die, their decomposition by bacteria and fungi provides food (called "detritus") for many aquatic invertebrates. Docks, geese, muskrats, and nutria all eat portions of spike rushes, from seeds, to rhizomes and tubers.

 

Herbicide Management Options:

 

Reward: is a liquid diquat formulation that provides partial control on Slender Spikerush, multiple treatments may be required during a growing season. It is a contact herbicide. Contact herbicides act quickly and kill all [plant cells that they contact. A non-ionic aquatically registered surfactant (see the label) will have to be added to the Reward solution for good results.

 

Biological Management Options:

 

Grass Carp: Are highly recommended for the long term control of slender spike rush. Stocking should be at a rate of 20 fish per surface acre of plant biomass. In South Carolina, only Triploid Grass Carp are legal and a permit from the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is required. AMS is licensed to provide these permits for you.