Common name: Common Rush
Family: Juncaceae, Rush
Height x width: 18-48" x 12-24"
Growth rate: moderate
Foliage: hollow, cylindrical, basal
Flowers: small, non-showy yellowish cymes in summer
Hardiness: zones 4-9 (less for cultivars as noted)
Soil: wet, pond edges in 3-5" of water, prefers acidic
Light: sun
Pests and Problems: none serious
Landscape habit, uses: watersides, water containers, bird cover by wateredges
Other interest: native to temperate regions; name from Latin iuncus for rush which is from iungere meaning to join, refering to its ancient use in tying; may be confused with the true Bulrush Scirpus (as supposedly cradled the infant Moses), with the main ornamental species tabernaemontani now placed in the genus Schoenoplectus, these genera similar in leaf but different in flower and less hardy than Juncus
Other culture: most species grow wild and are considered weeds this species and cultivars having some ornamental value; plant in submerged tubs to prevent invasive spread by rhizomes
Propagation: spring division
Species:
There are several other species of the genus that may be found less commonly, including:
glauca--Blue Rush, 1-2', similar to effusus but bluish foliage
macrophyllus--Flat-bladed Rush, 1-2', dark green stems with small clusters of pink and white flowers in spring
Cultivars:
'Carmen's Japanese'--Green Rush, 2-3', bright green and narrow leaves
'Spiralis'--Corkscrew Rush, 1-2', stongly spiralling or corkscrew stems, used as accents in water features and cut in flower arranging, the most popular cultivar
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