Plant guide

Common rush.

Juncus effusus

Pronounced JUNG-kus ef-FOO-sus

Also known as Common Rush, Flutterrush, Lamp Rush

This hardy perennial thrives in wet, boggy conditions and brings a lovely architectural look to water gardens. It features slender, cylindrical stems that grow in dense, upright clumps. You will love how it softens the edges of a pond or container.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Perennial rush
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 1 to 3 days
Mature size: 2 to 4 feet
Growth rate: Fast

Care

Keep the soil consistently saturated or even submerged in shallow water. Watch for browning tips, which often signal that the soil has dried out too much. Trim back old or damaged stems in late winter to make room for fresh spring growth.

Watering: Keep the soil constantly wet or sit the pot in a shallow tray of water.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Cut back the entire clump to the ground in late winter or early spring.
Repotting: Divide the root ball if the plant becomes too crowded in its container.
Soil: Heavy, moisture retentive clay or loam
Soil pH: 5.0 to 7.5

Safety

Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.

How to identify it

Slender, cylindrical, dark green stems
Dense, upright, grass like clumps
Small, brownish flower clusters on stems
Leafless stems with basal sheaths

Science

Family: Juncaceae
Genus: Juncus
Order: Poales
Class: Liliopsida

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Is your common rush looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

Get the app

This guide was generated with AI and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.