SEED SIZE: SMALL SEEDS!
Juncus effusus is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant species in the family Juncaceae. In North America, the common name soft rush also refers to Juncus interior. Juncus effuses, commonly known as soft rush, common rush, bog rush or mat rush, is a grasslike-like, rhizomatous, wetland perennial that features smooth, upright, cylindrical, unjointed, spire-like green stems (leaves are absent) which grow in spreading basal clumps to 20-40” tall. It is one of the true rushes.
_________________________
BENEFITS AND USES: Juncus provide habitat for wildlife and help keep our water clean. According to the USDA, the rhizomes of Common Rush (Juncus effusus) form a matrix for many beneficial bacteria, making this plant an excellent addition for wastewater treatment. Rushes provide habitat for amphibians and spawning areas for fish. Muskrats feed on the rootstalks of soft rush, moose, cattle, sheep all feed off of the young shoots and various wetland wading birds find shelter among the stems. Livestock: Cattle will graze Juncus effusus late in the season after more palatable plants are eaten. The stems of this grass-like plant have been traditionally used for making floor mats, and chair seats.
Medicinal use of Soft Rush: The pith of the stem is antiphlogistic, depurative, discutient, diuretic, febrifuge, lenitive, lithontripic, pectoral and sedative. It is used in the treatment of sore throats, jaundice, oedema, acute urinary tract infection and morbid crying of babies.
Other uses of the herb: Stems are used in basket making, thatching, weaving mats etc. The stems can also be dried then twisted or braided into ropes for tying or binding. Stems can be peeled (except for a small spine which is left to keep them upright) and soaked in oil then used as a candle. A fibre obtained from the stems is used for making paper. The stems are harvested in late summer or autumn, they are split and cut into usable pieces and then soaked for 24 hours in clear water. They are then cooked for 2 hours with lye and beaten in a blender. The fibres make an off-white paper. When mixed with mulberry fibres they can be used for making stencil paper. The whole plant was formerly used as a strewing herb.
Common RUSH SEEDS Juncus Juncaceae Flowering Plant Organic Naturally Grown
This plant looks beautiful and performs well around ponds, in wet areas, low spots or meadows. However, Juncus effusus also works in regular garden soil because it tolerates bouts of dryness. It adds an architectural element wherever it is planted. Common Rush sometimes reaches four feet; its upright habit is impressive in the landscape. Juncus effusus is native to North America and can be found throughout most of the world. In the course of human history, many cultures have used various species of Juncus as material for weaving baskets and mats.
What kind of plant is a rush?
Rush, any of several flowering plants distinguished by cylindrical stalks or hollow, stemlike leaves. They are found in temperate regions and particularly in moist or shady locations. The rush family (Juncaceae) includes Juncus, the common rushes, and Luzula, the woodrushes.
HOW/WHERE TO PLANT:
Sowing: Direct sow either in late fall or early spring. Press the seed into the surface of the soil, compacting the soil very firmly. For spring planting, mix the seeds with moist sand and store in the refrigerator for 60 days before planting. Keep the soil lightly moist until germination.
Easily grown in moist to wet soils in full sun to part shade. Best in full sun. Performs well in standing water to 4” deep, but will also grow well in garden soils as long as the soils are in fact kept consistently moist. Plants will spread in the landscape by rhizomes and by self-seeding.
Growth rate: medium. Grow in 1, 2 or 3 gallon containers. Grow in well-drained soil. Water needs: keep evenly moist; do not allow to dry out. Fertilizing: use a slow release, medium-rate fertilizer. Possible pests: no known major pests. Overwintering: no special overwintering needs.
Spread: 2.00 to 4.00 feet
Zone: 4 to 9
Family: Juncaceae
Type: Rush or Sedge
ABOUT THESE SEEDS: SEEDS FRESHLY HARVESTED JULY 11th, 2020 from right here on our Unique Creek Homestead!
FREE SHIPPING ANYWHERE IN THE USA! (Alaska/Hawaii message for shipping quotes)
Sincerely,
Scott & Melissa
Unique Primtiques Custom Woodworking
Unique Creek Homestead