Juncaceae
common rush
Juncus effusus
Synonyms
Agathryon effusum ssp. solutum
Juncus effusus var. solutus
Other Common Names
smooth rush
Plant Type
Grass/Grass-like
Life Cycle
Perennial
Typical Size
2-4 ft. tall
2-4 ft. wide
Tolerant of
Occasional Flooding
Inolerant of
Dry Soil
Propagation
By seed, By division
Plant Propagation Notes
Clumps are easily divided. Seeds should be cold moist stratified for 60 days.
Plant Planting Notes
Provide up 4 ft spacing.
Plants/Diseases
No significant disease or pest issues.
Wildlife Benefits
Fruit/seeds for birds
Leaves
Leaves basal, bladeless sheaths.
Flowers
Tiny yellowish green flowers on cyme.
Fruit
Capsule.
Toxicity
No known toxicity.

USDA Hardiness Zones
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Light Exposure
Full Sun
Soil Moisture
Moist, Aquatic Plant
Soil Drainage
Well-drained, Poorly Drained
Soil pH
Neutral (6.0-8.0)
Native in South Carolina?
Yes
Plant Native Habitat
A variety of wet habitats including margins of streams, ponds, and lakes as well as swamps and marshes.
Global Conservation Status (NatureServe)
Secure (G5)
Federal Conservation Status (USFWS)
Not Listed
Distribution Notes
Common throughout South Carolina.
Subspecies
Numerous subspecies exist. The subspecies in the southeast is Juncus effusus ssp. solutus