Juncus patens, Common Rush

Common Rush

An evergreen grass that grows up to three feet high and spreads up to three feet wide.  It has blue gray stems that grow vertically.  This plant forms clumps and spreads by rhizomes.  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.

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

- Hardy up to 15 degrees

- Attracts butterflies

- Deer resistant

-Native to California