Juncus balticus is a very variable species with seven geographically and morphologically defined subspecies recognized. Even after the exclusion of a few related species that have often been included in it, Juncus balticus is still extremely variable both as individuals and as populations and in regions. It requires further investigation[].

Common Name: Baltic Rush

General Information

Juncus balticus is a very variable, grass-like, perennial plant producing a dense to loose clump of growth from a rhizomatous rootstock; it usually grows around 25 - 100cm tall but some forms can reach 250cm[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. It can be used as a soil stabilizer along streambanks etc
Juncus balticus is widespread and while it is possibly declining in parts of its range, it is not thought that any global population decline is likely to meet (or be close to meeting) the threshold for Vulnerable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2016)[].

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

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Range

Northern and western Europe, almost throughout N. America though absent in southeast, western S. America

Habitat

Damp to very wet, often sandy soils, open meadows etc, often in saline conditions near the coast, but sometimes on moderately rich to more or less calcareous soils inland; at elevations from near sea level to nearly 4,000 metres in the Andes[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	1.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a moist soil, bog garden or shallow water[, ]. The plant generally grows on poorly-drained sandy to silty loam soils, often with a thick organic layer, and has been found growing on highly alkaline soils with a pH greater than 8.4[]. Plants are intolerant of dry conditions[]. Prefers a position in sun or light shade[].
Plants can form large clumps and spread aggressively at the roots[, ].
It usually takes at least 4 years for a plant to grow from a seedling to maturity and able to produce seed[].

Edible Uses

A sugar forms along the top of the plant. This can be gathered and eaten as candy[].

Seed[]. No more details are given but the seed is very small[].

The stems are used to make a fermented drink[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant's production of deep and fibrous roots emanating from a mass of coarse and creeping rhizomes makes it a valuable species for stabilizing streambanks and protecting against soil erosion[].

Other Uses

The stems are used in making woven baskets, thatching, weaving mats etc[, ].

The basal portions of the stems have been used as a light yellow-brown decoration on baskets[].

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.