soft rush Interesting Notes

Juncus effusus is a clump-forming wetland plant that is a striking vertical addition to any garden or container planting. Upright, fanning, deep green, rounded stems grow 2’-4’ tall and equally as wide. Soft Rush can be planted at the edge of a pond or in up to 6" of standing water. Inconspicuous golden cymes appear atop the stems in summer maturing into clusters of seeds by summer’s end.

Juncus effusus is native to sunny, freshwater wetland areas, marshes, and ditches, but it is widely adaptable to a variety of conditions. Soft rush is tolerant of average garden soils and periods of drought and prefers full to part sun. A trend found in plants that are tolerant of cold climates, Juncus effusus is circumglobal and can be found throughout temperate and sub-tropical areas of North America, Europe, and Asia.

While Juncus effusus looks simple enough, it hosts a wide range of mammal and avian species who use it for food and habitat. Birds and mammals eat the seeds while soft rush provides habitat for amphibians and spawning areas for fish. The upright foliage is perfect for a water garden, moist sunny sites, restorations areas, and as an accent in a container.

Juncus effusus Growing and Maintenance Tips

Juncus effusus is native to sunny, freshwater wetland areas, marshes and ditches, but it is widely adaptable to a variety of conditions. Tolerant of average garden soils and periods of drought. Soft rush prefers full or part sun.