Common Name: Hard Rush

General Information

Juncus inflexus is a densely clump-forming, grass-like perennial plant growing from a rhizomatous rootstock; it can grow around 50 - 120cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a source of materials
Juncus effusus 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

The plant is reported to be toxic to mammals[]. It causes irritation of the stomach and diarrhoea, followed by nervousness and progressive blindness; the animal may die of cerebral haemorrhage, preceded by convulsions[].

Botanical References

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Range

Eurasia, from Sweden to Spain, east through southern Rusia and Arabia to Mongolia and China; western N. Africa, S. Africa.

Habitat

Damp pastures, especially on heavy basic or neutral soils[]. Found in a variety of wet, mineral rich to saline habitats, near springs, along streams, in wet meadows etc[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.80 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 basket making, thatching, weaving mats etc[, ].

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.