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View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora
Soft rush (Juncus effusus) is a member of the Juncaceae (Rush) family found growing in wet areas, as indicated by the common name. It is very widespread and native to most continents; for this reason there are a number of native and non-native subspecies and varieties, and numerous synonyms. It grows in large clumps about 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall at the water's edge along streams, ditches and ponds and can be invasive anywhere with moist soil. It is commonly found growing in humus-rich areas such as marshes, ditches, fens, and beaver dams. It can be useful around ornamental ponds and bioswales. It is very easy to grow, and is great native alternative to photinia and raphiolepis.
Plant type
Grass
Size
5 - 7 ft Tall
3 ft Wide
Form
Upright, Fountain
Growth rate
Fast, Moderate
Dormancy
Evergreen
Fragrance
None
Color
Brown
Flowering season
Summer
Special uses
Water features or wet habitats, Deer resistant
Sun
Partial Shade
Water
Moderate, High
Summer irrigation
Max 1x / week once established
Ease of care
Easy
Cold tolerance
Tolerates cold to 15° F
Soil drainage
Slow, Standing
Soil description
Tolerates a variety of soils.
Soil PH: 5.5 - 7.5
Site type
Freshwater marshes, streams, ponds, drainage ditches, fens, bogs, and other areas that are wet or moist the majority of the year.
Plant communities
Chaparral, Coastal Salt Marsh, Coastal Strand, Foothill Woodland, Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Valley Grassland, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian
Use with other wetland/riparian plants
Butterflies and moths supported
0 confirmed and 5 likely
Confirmed
Likely
Mottled Marble
Bactra furfurana
Javelin Moth
Bactra verutana
Yellow-Collared Scape Moth
Cisseps fulvicollis
Common names:
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