Eleocharis vivipara is a species of flowering plant in the sedge family known by several common names, including umbrella hairgrass, sprouting spikerush, and viviparous spikerush. It is native to the southern United States from eastern Texas to eastern Virginia.Biota of North America Program, 2013 county distribution map It takes the form of a clump of thin stems. A spike of flowers appears at the tip of the stem. The plant may also reproduce by growing a plantlet and runners.Flora of North America, Eleocharis vivipara Link, Hort. Berol. 1: 283. 1827.
Eleocharis vivipara may grow in the water or on land. When it is aquatic it uses C3 carbon fixation pathways for photosynthesis. When it grows out of the water it switches to the C4 mechanism.
This species grows along the margins of water bodies, such as ponds, marshes, and ditches.
Cultivation It can also be cultivated and used as an aquarium plant.Roe, Colin D. (1967), A Manual of Aquarium Plants, Shirley Aquatics, Solihull
References
External links US Invasive plants - illustrated Plant of the Week