Juncus effusus
Common rush, also known as Pacific rush or soft rush, is a hardy, clump-forming wetland or raingarden plant with tiny golden brown flowers in summer. Its soft, vibrant green foliage grows by rhizomes to form low-maintenance, evergreen coverage and provides exceptional habitat benefits in sunny wet areas.
- Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen perennial herbaceous plant
- Size at maturity: 0-3' high, 1-2' wide
- Light requirements: full sun, partial shade
- Moisture requirements: moist to wet soil
- Bloom time: June - Aug
- Growth rate/ease: fast growing, easy to grow
- Wildlife support: attracts/supports beneficial and pest eating insects, caterpillar host plant and larval food source; seeds are enjoyed by birds and small mammals
- Native habitat/range: common in wet meadows, wet prairies, in ditches and along shores and swales from sea level to 2100 ft. Portland Plant List - yes.
- Special features & uses: evergreen; wildlife favorite; landscape uses include wet meadows and raingardens/bioswales and erosion control
Gardening with Common Rush: If you’re looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant to control erosion and provide year-round structure and habitat in your wet meadow or the bottom layer of a raingarden, look no further. Common rush is fuss-free and will even tolerate areas with seasonal to constant flooding.
Photo Credit 1: "File:Juncus effusus1 ies.jpg" by Ies is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo Credit 2: "Juncus effusus" by anro0002 is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo Credit 3: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants