Juncus effusus, an evergreen perennial, has a remarkable vertical habit. If you’ve ever taken a botany class, you’ve probably heard that rushes are round, sedges have edges, which refers to soft rush, which has hollow, cylindrical stems. Sedges have triangular-shaped stems. Yellow flowers blossom at the top of each stalk; they aren’t showy but will liven up your pond or garden.
General Information
Juncus effusus, also known as soft or common rush, is a perennial member of the rush family (Juncaceae). It is a wetland species that is found all over the world. Various morphological entities have been characterized at the subspecific or varietal level throughout their wide range. Hawaii, Australia, and New Zealand have all discovered the species.
Soft rush is a vital wildlife plant because it provides birds and other animals habitat. The roots of this shrub are eaten by muskrats, while birds eat the seeds. Various insects, including the red sword-grass moth, use soft rush as a larval host plant. Soft rush is not toxic to humans, pets, or cattle and is consumed by many animals.
It’s fascinating that soft rush fibers have been used to construct water filters for cigarette smoke and textile dye. Native Americans used soft rush to weave baskets, other cultures used it to make rushlights (an alternative to candles), and the Japanese used it to make tatami mats and other things.
These adaptable plants have a blooming season from June to August. They can grow to be 48 inches tall and 36 inches wide.
Care and Maintenance
Juncus effusus thrives in sunny locations with soggy soil or shallow standing water. Plants can adapt to various soil types, including ordinary garden soil, sandy, silty, or gravelly soils, and soils with varying water levels. They thrive in full sunlight and a damp to wet environment. It grows best in constantly moist garden soil but can also be planted in standing water up to 4 inches deep.
Because soft rush spreads via rhizomes, you can separate the roots to limit its spread. The plant risks becoming invasive and damaging to the ecosystem when planted outside of its typical habitat. To prevent this, compost or dispose of any unwanted material from this plant in the garbage.
Juncus Effusus is salt tolerant, pest resistant, and repugnant to deer and other herbivores.
How to Use it in Landscapes
People are beginning to recognize Juncus effusus’ appealing thin, round leaf and erect form and the environmental value it may provide. It is a lovely plant that grows well in ponds, moist areas, low areas, and meadows.
The plant can be used to restore wetlands and retain soil in bioswales and drainage ditches. They can also help prevent soil erosion when planted along the borders of a water supply. Their roots have been found to contain massive amounts of beneficial bacteria, which aids in developing clean water. They are excellent water filters.
Companion Plants
Bog gardening is a fun pastime that allows you to turn a soggy, slow-draining region into an attractive space. It’s frequently a shallow area near a pond or other body of water. It provides a home for moisture-loving plants like Juncus effusus (Soft Rush), Carex elata ‘Aurea‘ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge), Eriophorum engustifolium (Tall Cottongrass), Scirpus cyperinus (Wool Grass), Rhynchospora colorata (Star Rush), and Equisetum fluviatile (Water Horsetail), all of which attract frogs, toads, and dragonflies.
Many wonderful plants flourish in bog gardens. Here are some great options for turning a soggy, slow-draining site into a lovely attraction.
1. Carex Elata ‘Aurea’ (Bowles’ Golden Sedge)
Carex elata ‘Aurea’ is a pretty unusual ornamental grass with sparkling yellow blades and delicate green borders that bends elegantly toward the ground, gracefully softening any scene. It is one of the most appealing golden sedges. It looks great with other plants, mulch, or gravel.
This lovely accent plant is perfect for bog gardens, rain gardens, beds, borders, or next to ponds or streams where the foliage reflects in the water.
2. Eriophorum Angustifolium (Tall Cottongrass)
Tall cottongrass, or Eriophorum angustifolium, is a vigorously spreading perennial with clumps of grass-like dark-green leaves. In the summer, they’re crowned with gorgeous tassels of fluffy, cotton-like flower heads.
This plant thrives in bog gardens or near the edge of a pond in shallow water.
3. Scirpus Cyperinus (Wool Grass)
The emergent water perennial, Scirpus cyperinus (Wool Grass), has arching basal green leaves and erect stems that form a thick tuft. The cotyledons mature to reddish-brown color and become wooly. The leaves turn golden brown in the fall, and the lovely seedheads remain attractive in the winter.
This plant is effective at preventing erosion when planted in large numbers. It’s also an excellent addition to a wildlife garden because it provides food and shelter for ducks and other wildlife.
4. Rhynchospora Colorata (Star Rush)
Rhynchospora colorata, also known as star rush, blooms in late spring to early fall and has daisy-like blooms with 5 to 6 inch long, hanging white bracts. The blossoms attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
The leaves are thin, long, tapering green blades that arise from the base of the plant. This plant looks fantastic near pond edges or in a bog garden. It’s also an intriguing groundcover in wetter areas.
5. Equisetum Fluviatile (Water Horsetail)
Equisetum fluviatile, also known as water horsetail, is a perennial with bamboo-like thick, smooth, hollow stems. The dark green stems with shallow furrows, rounded ridges, and large black rings are complemented by thin pink bands.
This species’ robust, erect stems look great in a water garden and provide a lovely backdrop for other pond plants. It’s also great for covering a moist low region where nothing else will grow.
