Description

Juncus effusus Soft Rush, Common Rush, Native Grasses, Perennial Grass Plugs, Native Wetland Grass

Botanic Name (s): Juncus effusus

Common Name(s): Soft Rush, Common Rush

Mature height :1-4′

Mature spread:3-5ft

Bloom Time: June-September

Sun Exposure: Full Sun Part Sun

Soil moisture: Moist Wet

Soil Ph:5-5.7

Soil Type: Clay Soil- High clay content, fine texture

Loamy Soil- mostly silt, sand, some clay

Sandy soil, coarse texture

Native Habitat: Fresh tidal and non tidal marshes, shrub swamps, meadows, ditches

Notes: often grows in clumps

Erosion Control Flood Tolerant

High Wildlife Value: Songbirds Game Birds Small Mammals Waterfowl

FACW- Usually occur in wetlands, but may occur in non-wetlands

OBL- Almost always occur in wetlands

Native to Coastal Regions

Native To Mountain Regions

Native to Piedmont Regions

Native Grass

Juncus effusus Soft Rush, Common Rush, Native Grasses, Perennial Grass Plugs

Juncus provide habitat for wildlife and help keep our water clean. According to the USDA, the rhizomes of Common Rush (Juncus effusus) form a matrix for many beneficial bacteria, making this plant an excellent addition for wastewater treatment.

Habitat of the herb: Wet pastures, bogs, damp woods etc, usually on acid soils.

Edible parts of Soft Rush: Young shoots – raw. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Other uses of the herb: Stems are used in basket making, thatching, weaving mats etc. The stems can also be dried then twisted or braided into ropes for tying or binding. Stems can be peeled (except for a small spine which is left to keep them upright) and soaked in oil then used as a candle. A fibre obtained from the stems is used for making paper. The stems are harvested in late summer or autumn, they are split and cut into usable pieces and then soaked for 24 hours in clear water. They are then cooked for 2 hours with lye and beaten in a blender. The fibres make an off-white paper. When mixed with mulberry fibres they can be used for making stencil paper. The whole plant was formerly used as a strewing herb.

Known hazards of Juncus effusus: Possibly toxic to mammals.

Juncus effusus Soft Rush, Common Rush, Native Grasses, Perennial Grass Plugs, Native Wetland Grass

See all available native Grasses.