Photo of Juncus occidentalis flower by The Watershed Nursery

Photo by The Watershed Nursery

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Juncus occidentalis

Also Known As

  • Western Rush

Plant type

perennial, grass / grass like

size

  • H: 12"-24"
  • W: 6"-12"

planting zones

  • 7a-10a

More Options

Juncus occidentalis plant details

Juncus occidentalis is an evergreen perennial grass (or grassy in appearance) with green foliage. In spring chocolate flowers emerge. Features grassy texture. Attracts birds. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and even moisture - regular water. Adapts to various soil conditions. Does well in average, clay and gritty soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Juncus occidentalis

Plant type: perennial grass (or grassy in appearance)
Plant family: juncaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 IN - 12 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: chocolate blooms in spring

GROWING CONDITIONS for Juncus occidentalis

USDA Zones: 7a - 10a
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, clay and gritty

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Western rush is a a bunching, evergreen and extremely hardy perennial that grows 1-2 feet tall. This fast growing rush is most lush looking with seasonally wet in winters and will tolerate dry summers. A complement to the edges of Koi ponds. Western rush will provide a grassy look with dark green shiny foliage and distinctive flower/fruit clusters. Blooms between April and May. Native to California, Oregon, Nevada, and Arizona A valued food for a wide variety of birds. Used in basket making. Found in moist areas. Communitites located in Wetland-riparian Between 0 and 7,545 feet.

Gardening facts about Juncus occidentalis plant

How to Grow Juncus occidentalis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • even moisture - regular
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • adaptable
    • average
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • chocolate
  • Wildlife

    • birds
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • 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
View Plant

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
View Plant

More Options

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
View Plant

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
View Plant

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
View Plant
+22 more Juncus
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved