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Growth habit of pacific rush (Juncus effusus), also known as common rush, pasture rush, or soft rush. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close up of the inflorescence of pacific rush (Juncus effusus), also known as common rush, pasture rush, or soft rush. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Close up of the dried seed head of pacific rush (Juncus effusus), also known as common rush, pasture rush, or soft rush. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.
Growth habit of pacific rush (Juncus effusus), also known as common rush, pasture rush, or soft rush. One of approximately 200 species of Pacific Northwest native plants available at Sparrowhawk Native Plants, Native Plant Nursery in Portland, Oregon.

Common Rush

Juncus effusus

Pacific rush, also known as common rush or soft rush, is a hardy, evergreen wetland or raingarden plant that grows in large attractive clumps. Its soft, vibrant grass-like foliage grows by rhizomes to form low-maintenance, year-round ground cover that provides exceptional habitat benefits in sunny wet areas. In summer, golden-brown spiky inflorescence adorn the tips of its flower stalks and are popular with beneficial insects. Later, the flowers become fruits that are highly nutritious and attractive to birds. 

  • Plant type/canopy layer: evergreen, perennial, herbaceous plant
  • Size at maturity: 12-36”' tall, 12-24” wide
  • Light requirements: full sun, partial shade
  • Moisture requirements: moist to wet soil, including flooding
  • Bloom time: June - Aug
  • Growth rate/ease: fast growing, very easy to grow
  • Wildlife support: seeds are enjoyed by birds and small mammals; overall plant attracts and supports beneficial and pest eating insects and is a caterpillar host plant and larval food source for native butterflies and moths
  • Native habitat/range: common in wet meadows, wet prairies, in ditches and along shores and swales from sea level to 700m, is extremely widespread in the Pacific Northwest and even occurs on most continents. Portland Plant List - yes.  
  • Special features & uses: evergreen; wildlife favorite; deer resistant; landscape uses include wet meadows and raingardens/bioswales and erosion control

Gardening with Pacific Rush: If you’re looking for a fast-growing, low-maintenance plant to accent your water feature, control erosion and/or provide year-round structure and incredible habitat value in your wet meadow or the bottom layer of a raingarden, look no further. Pacific rush is 100% fuss-free and a favorite of beneficial insects, birds and other wildlife. It prefers full to mostly sunny areas with lots of moisture, and will even tolerate areas with seasonal to constant flooding. 

Photo Credit 1:"Juncus effusus - soft rush" by Matt Lavin is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Photo Credit 2: © Rob Foster, some rights reserved (CC-BY) 

Photo Credit 3: © Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC-BY) 

Photo Credit 4: Nikkie West, Sparrowhawk Native Plants