Eleocharis macrostachya, commonly known as pale spikerush, is a rhizomatous perennial herb that is native to a variety of wetland habitats including freshwater lakes, brackish marshes, ponds, ditches, vernal pools, and wet meadows across North America and extending into parts of South America. It typically grows between one-half and one meter in height and features bright green, erect, cylindrical stems with straw-colored basal leaves. The inflorescence is a narrow, lance-shaped or cylindrical spike at the top of each stem, containing 30 to 80 spirally arranged florets that bloom in the summer months.

Pale spikerush is valued for its role in wetland restoration and phytoremediation, particularly for its ability to remove arsenic from groundwater through rhizofiltration. It is also used in constructed wetlands for wastewater treatment due to its tolerance of highly saline water and its effectiveness in removing conventional contaminants. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist or wet soil and can grow in full sun to part shade. It is often used in water gardens, rain gardens, and as a ground cover in wet areas. While generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, potentially becoming invasive outside of its native range.CC BY-SA 4.0