Prefers a few inches of standing water to moist soil (Max: 12”/Min: 0”).
Species will tolerate some fluctuation in water levels. Tolerates drought in
summer.
Wildlife Value
Seeds are eaten by songbirds and waterfowl. Plants are eaten by muskrats,
deer, and small rodents. Provides cover for ducks and spawning habitat for
sunfish. Also provides nesting habitat for rails and habitat for many species of
insects.
Application/Zone
Used in upper and lower shoreline zones and in vegetated swales.
Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance
Seeds, container grown transplants, rootstocks, and rhizomes are available
from commercial vendors. Seed is becoming more widely available.
Seeds are extremely small, difficult to disseminate, and may require cold
to break dormancy.
Seed may be stored in fresh water or wet sand at 35-40o F for 4 to 9
months and then spring seeded by hand broadcasting.
Fresh seed may also be fall planted to allow overwintering to break
dormancy.
Seeds need alternating temperatures and light for best germination.
One source recommends a seeding rate of up to 4 oz/acre in mixes.
Rhizomes and rootstocks should be spring planted 2-3 inches deep on
0.5-1.5 foot centers because of slow rate of spread in saturated soil.
Common Rush Juncus effusus
Mature Height
1.0-3.5 feet
Plant Type
Perennial emergent herb
Indicator Status
Obligate
pH
Not available
Nutrient Load Tolerance
Moderate
Salt Tolerance
Low
Siltation Tolerance
Moderate
Flowering Color and Time
Green or Brown
May to September
