Common Name: Poverty Rush

General Information

Juncus tenuis is a grass-like perennial plant forming a clump of growth from a densely branched, rhizomatous rootstock; it can grow from 10 - 80cm tall but is more commonly around 15 - 50cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials, It is sometimes used as ground cover and soil stabilization in environemtal projects.
Juncus tenuis has small, sticky seeds which are easily overlooked. The small seeds become very mucilaginous and sticky when wet, making them easily transported on clothing, footwear, tyres, feathers and fur. This is partly why plants are common along footpaths and animal trails. For this reason there is considerable danger of the species being accidentally introduced into new countries, and of further spread within those countries where it is already present. However, its spread is most likely to be limited to paths, tracks and roadsides.

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

N. America - Ontario, Quebec to Newfoundland, south throughout the USA to central Mexico. Widely naturalized in much of the world.

Habitat

Exposed or shaded sites in soils ranging from sand to clay, under moist or drier conditions, often in sites naturally or otherwise disturbed by game, human trails etc[]. Often in compacted soils along roadsides, on waste ground and by field paths[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Easily grown in a moist soil or bog garden[, ]. Prefers a heavy soil in sun or light shade[]. In the wild plants grow on slightly acid, more or less base-deficient soils of clayey, loamy or gritty texture[]..
This species is closely related to Juncus dudleyi[].
The outer layer of the seed testa becomes mucilaginous and swells enormously if it becomes wet. The swelling seedmass often forces the seed capsule open. During rainy weather the large slimy transparent masses of seeds, which resemble frog’s spawn, adhere to the dehisced capsules[]. The wet seeds are very sticky and are readily spread on the feet of people, mammals and birds, and on the tyres of vehicles.[, ].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An infusion of the plant has been given to babies to prevent lameness and also used as a wash on babies to strengthen them[]. Additionally, it was used in a decoction to dislodge spoiled saliva[].
A decoction or infusion is used to induce vomiting, or as a wash[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Juncus tenuis has a number of environmental uses in its native North America, where it is used for erosion control along streambanks and in drainage stabilization due to its bunched growth form, and its ability to grow in saturated and compacted soils. Another use is as a biofilter where it can be used in the bottom of constructed bioswales as a groundlayer. It is also used in the scrub shrub layer as a ground cover in constructed wetlands[].
In landscaping it is also useful as a groundcover, or water plant, in a rain garden due to its ability to grow in compacted and saturated soils[].

Other Uses

A string made from the plant has been used to bind up dough in oak leaves for cooking bread[].

Propagation

Seed - can be sown in situ. If sown as soon as ripe the seed may germinate immediately or it might delay until the spring[]. The seed can also be surface sown in pots in a cold frame in early spring and the compost kept 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. Seed can remain dormant for two or more yeas[].
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.