Juncus effusus - Soft rush
DESCRIPTION
Soft rushJuncus effusus
Juncus effusus is a clump-forming, wetland plant. Upright, fanning, deep green stems make a great accent in a container or water garden. Soft Rush can be planted at the edge of a pond or in up to 6" of standing water. Inconspicuous golden flowers appear atop the stems in summer. Native to most of North America, soft rush provides food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.
BENEFITS
- Soft rush can be planted along the water's edge and in water up to 6”
- Works well in a bog or wet containers
- Birds eat the small seeds after the yellow flowers have bloomed
- Provides cover and nesting for wetland birds
- Great for rain gardens, can be used to prevent erosion
NATIVE INFO
Native Range
Native throughout much of North America. Found in swamps and damp open ground.
Map Credit: The Biota of North America
Map Key: Green (native), Teal (native, adventive), Blue (present), Yellow (present & rare), Red (extinct)
INTERESTING FACTS
In Japan, soft rush is commercially grown for making soft woven mats. Prior to 1900, rush was used to make candle-like evening lights called rushlights.
GROWING TIPS
Juncus effusus is native to sunny, freshwater wetland areas, marshes and ditches, but it is widely adaptable to a variety of conditions. Tolerant of average garden soils and periods of drought. Soft Rush prefers full or part sun.