Eleocharis tenuis, commonly known as slender spikerush, is a perennial herb native to wetlands, marshes, and along streambanks throughout Eastern North America. It is a small, grass-like plant that typically grows up to 1 foot tall, with a clumping habit and thin, cylindrical stems. Slender spikerush blooms in the summer, producing tiny, greenish-brown flowers that are not particularly showy but are ecologically significant for wetland habitats. This species is valued for its ability to thrive in permanently wet soils and its role in stabilizing soil and providing habitat for wildlife.

Slender spikerush is an excellent choice for wetland restoration projects and naturalized water gardens due to its adaptability to flooded conditions and its ecological value in supporting aquatic species. It is also used for erosion control along waterways. In cultivation, it requires consistent moisture and can grow in standing water, making it suitable for pond edges and bog gardens. It prefers full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are wet. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth in smaller garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0