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Juncus effusus

common rush

A clump-forming, evergreen, grass-like perennial to 1.5m tall. Its bright green to yellowish rounded stems that form arching fans, From late spring to summer, rounded heads of small green to brown flowers emerge on the sides of the stems just below the stem tips

Other common names
corkscrew rush
pin rush
see moresoft rush
sugar grass

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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Clay
Loam
Moisture
Poorly–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Green Green
Summer Brown Green Green
Autumn Yellow Green
Winter Yellow Green
Position
  • Full sun
  • Full shade
Aspect

West–facing or East–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Juncaceae
Native to the UK
Yes
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Clump forming
Genus

Juncus can be annuals, deciduous or evergreen perennials, forming clumps of narrow, often cylindrical leaves, with clusters of small brown flowers borne on leaf-like stems in summer

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Cosmopolitan

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in permanently moist, acid soil in sun or partial shade. May also be grown in very shallow water at pool margins

Propagation

Propagate by division from mid-spring to early summer

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Wildflower meadow
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Remove dead foliage and old flowered stems in spring

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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