Common Name: Sharp Rush

General Information

Juncus acutus is a densely clump-forming, grass-like perennial plant
growing around 50 - 150cm tall, occasionally to 200cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use in making baskets and mats.
Juncus acutus is widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2014)[].

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, there is a report that one member of this genus is possibly toxic to mammals[]..

Botanical References

,

Range

Warm temperate (generally Mediterranean) regions of Europe, W. Asia, N. & S. Africa, N. & S. America.

Habitat

A largely coastal plant, growing on sandy sea shores and dune slacks, salt marshes, rarely in freshwater marshes[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a moist soil, bog garden or shallow water[, ]. Prefers a heavy soil in sun or light shade[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The stems are used in making woven baskets, thatching, weaving mats etc[, , , ]. The baskets made in Italy from this rush are used chielly as receptacles for crushed olive pulp, wbicli is then placed under the press[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow in pots in a cold frame in early spring and keep the compost moist. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently, otherwise in late spring of the following year.
Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.