Juncus effusus (Soft Rush) Unity Grown

Juncus effusus, also called soft rush, is a native grass-like perennial with a clump-forming habit and foliage consisting of flexible, rounded stems which are lustrous green with spiky, pointed tips. Found in the wild in flooded meadows, marshes, open wet woodlands, and many other soggy or boggy locations, soft rush is adaptable to almost any planting conditions so long as the ground is wet, which makes it a valuable plant for erosion control and wetland restoration.

Typically growing to two to four feet tall, Juncus effusus produces small, scaly flowers atop its stems in the summer months, which add even more texture to an already stand-out plant. While soft rush makes for a great choice for a naturalized area or slope stabilization project, they also double as great small space and container plantings when provided with a steady supply of water.

In some naturalization projects, Juncus effusus may begin to colonize the area; one of the ways around this is planting the plant, pot and all, into the ground, with the lip of the pot above the soil. Either way, care should be taken in choosing a good location to plant your soft rush.

This selection of Juncus effusus was grown and raised from seed here at Unity Church Hill Nursery.