Photo of Juncus balticus flower by The Watershed Nursery

Photo by The Watershed Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Juncus balticus

Also Known As

  • Baltic Rush

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 24"-36"
  • W: 12"-36"

planting zones

  • 1-12

More Options

Juncus balticus plant details

Juncus balticus is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In spring and summer green and purple flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts butterflies making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - occasional water. Does well in average, clay and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something for erosion control and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Juncus balticus

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: juncaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 36 IN - wide, 24 IN - 36 IN - tall
Flowers: green and purple blooms in spring and summer

GROWING CONDITIONS for Juncus balticus

USDA Zones: 1 - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - occasional
Resistant to: deer, erosion and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Wire rush grows up to 3-feet tall and, with numerous rhizomes, it forms stiff clumps arising from runners. Use this plant in your native garden for excellent erosion control near water sources. Native to California and also found elsewhere in North America and beyond. Baltic rush has been rated as good cover for waterfowl, non-game birds, and small mammals Blackfoot Indians used the roots for making a brown dye and other tribes used its stems to make baskets and mats. Found in brackish marsh plains . Communitites located in Yellow Pine Forest, Red Fir Forest, Lodgepole Forest, Subalpine Forest, Foothill Woodland, Chaparral, Valley Grassland Between 0 and 11,000 feet.

Gardening facts about Juncus balticus plant

How to Grow Juncus balticus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - occasional
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • erosion control
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • green
    • purple
  • Wildlife

    • butterflies
    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • grassy

Landscape groups by tags

See other plant types of Juncus for your garden

aka California Gray Rush

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 24"

Width: 24"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • even moisture - drought tolerant
Photo of Juncus patens foliage by Far South Wholesale Nursery
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aka Juncus patens 'Carmens Gray'

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

6b-11

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 2'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Juncus patens 'Carman's Grey' flower, form by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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aka Spiny Rush

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 2'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • high - drought tolerant
Photo of Juncus acutus form by Cactus Jungle
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More Options

aka Dwarf Corkscrew Rush, UNICORN CORKSCREW RUSH, Unicorn Rush

Plant Type

Perennial, Grass / Grass Like, Aquatic

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 23"-39"

Width: 12"-18"

  • sun - dappled shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Juncus effusus 'Unicorn' foliage by Secret Garden Growers
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More Options

Plant Type

Perennial, Aquatic

Zones

4a-9b

Size

Height: 2'-4'

Width: 18"

  • sun - mostly shade
  • standing water - high
Photo of Juncus patens 'Occidental Blue' container plant, flower by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
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