Juncus effusus

Common rush is a spreading evergreen perennial. The erect pale-green stems grows 2 - 5' tall. Needs moist soils such as along stream edges and meadows. This clumping rush provides food and nesting for birds and other wildlife. Flowers May - August followed by rust colored fruit capsules that persist for into the winter. Native to California and is also found outside of California, but is confined to western North America. A wide range of mammal and avian species depend on Juncus species for food and habitat. The rhizomes form a matrix for many beneficial bacteria, making this plant an excellent addition for wastewater treatment. Native Americans used the leaves to make mats. Found in wet places on hillsides or valley flats, coastal, salt-marsh. Communitites located in Coastal Salt Marsh, Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland, Coastal Strand, Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 7000 feet .

The preference is full sun, wet conditions, and mucky soil; some sand, gravel, or silt is readily tolerated.