Juncus textilis (Basket Rush)

Basket Rush

An evergreen grass that grows up to seven feet high.  It has blue gray stems that grow vertically.  This plant forms clumps and spreads by rhizomes.  It grows along the coast and in the coastal mountain ranges.  Brown red flowers bloom from spring to fall.  Prune in the winter- you can cut all the way back.  This grass prefers more water than other grasses.  Additional water will help them look their best and prolong their growth.

This species has been used by the Cahuilla, Kumeyaay, and Chumash tribes to weave baskets.  The Chumash still use Juncus textilis to weave baskets today.

You can remove things caught in the stems with a rake.  You should cut the plants back every 10-15 years to the ground in late fall or early winter.

Plant with: Indigo Bush (Amorpha fruticosa), Sagewort (Artemisia douglasiana), Mule Fat (Baccharis salicifolia), Dogwood (Cornus sp.), Sedge (Carex sp.), Currant/Gooseberry (Ribes sp.), wild Rose (Rosa sp.), willow (Salix sp.), and wild grape (Vitis sp.)

- Plant in full sun or shade

- Tolerates a variety of soils

- Water twice a month once established

- Drought tolerant once established

- Attracts butterflies

- Hardy up to 15 degrees

- Attracts butterflies

- Deer resistant

-Native to California