Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis)

Dwarf Hairgrass | Eleocharis acicularis

Native Oxygenating Pond Plant for Clear Water and Healthy Wildlife Ponds

Fine Grass Like Foliage That Helps Create a Balanced Pond Ecosystem

Dwarf Hairgrass (Eleocharis acicularis), also known as Needle Spike Rush, is a versatile native oxygenating pond plant that provides both practical and ornamental benefits. With its fine, bright green grass-like foliage, this attractive aquatic plant forms dense tufts that help improve water quality, support pond wildlife, and create a natural appearance around the pond.

As a UK native species, Dwarf Hairgrass is perfectly suited to British ponds and thrives in a wide range of conditions. It can be grown in shallow water on marginal shelves or positioned deeper within the pond, making it one of the most adaptable oxygenating plants available.

The slender green stems create an attractive underwater meadow effect, providing valuable shelter for newts, tadpoles, water snails, aquatic insects, and small fish. The dense foliage also acts as a refuge for young amphibians and helps support a healthy pond ecosystem throughout the year.

One of the biggest advantages of Dwarf Hairgrass is its oxygenating ability. During daylight hours, the plant releases oxygen into the water while simultaneously absorbing excess nutrients such as nitrates and phosphates. This natural filtration process helps reduce algae growth, improve water clarity, and create healthier conditions for fish and wildlife.

Unlike some vigorous oxygenating plants, Dwarf Hairgrass remains relatively neat and manageable, making it suitable for both wildlife ponds and ornamental garden ponds. Its evergreen foliage also provides year-round interest, particularly in milder parts of the UK where growth can continue throughout winter.

From late summer into early autumn, the plant produces subtle flower spikes which add additional interest without detracting from its clean, grass-like appearance. Whether planted individually or grouped together to form larger colonies, Dwarf Hairgrass creates a natural, soft appearance that blends beautifully with water lilies, marginal plants, and wildlife planting schemes.

Fully hardy and easy to maintain, Dwarf Hairgrass is an excellent choice for pond owners looking to improve water quality naturally while creating valuable habitat for wildlife.

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Key Benefits

• Native British oxygenating pond plant
• Helps improve water clarity naturally
• Absorbs excess nutrients that fuel algae growth
• Provides shelter for amphibians and aquatic wildlife
• Fine grass-like foliage creates a natural appearance
• Evergreen in many UK conditions
• Suitable for wildlife ponds and ornamental ponds
• Can be planted in shallow or deeper water
• Easy to maintain and establish
• Excellent companion for water lilies and marginal plants

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Reasons to Buy

• One of the best native oxygenating pond plants
• Improves pond health without chemicals
• Creates valuable habitat for newts and tadpoles
• Attractive year-round foliage
• Suitable for a wide range of pond sizes
• Fully hardy and reliable in UK conditions

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Care Instructions

• Dwarf Hairgrass grows best in full sun or partial shade and can be planted at depths ranging from 0cm to 60cm.
• Place the aquatic basket on a pond shelf or directly on the pond floor depending on the desired planting depth. The plant prefers still or slow-moving water and benefits from good light levels.
• Very little maintenance is required. Simply remove any dead foliage as needed and divide large clumps every few years if additional plants are desired.
• This variety is generally resistant to pests and diseases and establishes quickly when provided with suitable growing conditions.

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Flowering Period

August to September

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Size and Growing Conditions

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Dispatching Your Pond Plants

Your Dwarf Hairgrass will be carefully packed to protect the foliage and roots during transit.

Orders received by 11am Monday to Wednesday are normally dispatched on the following working day using a next working day courier service. During busy periods, dispatch may occasionally take an extra day.

To avoid plants being held in depots over a weekend, we do not usually dispatch on Fridays. Highlands and Islands orders using a two day service are not normally dispatched on Thursdays.

Available basket sizes:

• Pack of 3 × 9cm Pots
• 1 Litre Basket – usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square; some varieties may be supplied in a 14cm diameter × 10cm round basket
• Pack of 3 × 1 Litre Baskets – each usually 11 × 11 × 11cm square
• 2 Litre Basket – usually 17cm diameter × 13cm round or 19 × 19 × 9cm square, depending on the plant

Planting depth is measured from the top of the aquatic basket to the water surface.

Plants supplied in 9cm pots require potting into suitable aquatic baskets before being placed in the pond.

Finofil baskets are manufactured in the UK from 100% recycled plastic and are fully recyclable. Their fine dual-mesh construction helps retain aquatic soil while allowing water and nutrients to reach the roots. Basket shape may vary slightly depending on the plant and supplier availability.

Explore more oxygenating pond plants or browse our complete pond plants range.