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Common (Blue) Rush – Juncus patens (JUN-kus PAT (or PATE)-ens ) Family: Juncaceae (Rush Family) Native to: Western coast from WA to Baja CA; marshy areas, seeps, springs, openings in willow groves with Rosa californica, Artemisia douglasiana, Mimulus spp., Symphoricarpos spp. Growth characteristics: clumping perennial rush mature height: 2-3 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft. Dense, clumping perennial rush with upright stems. Foliage attractive grayish blue-green. Leaves have distinctive groove. Plant becomes dormant in summer with no water. Spreads by stout, branched rhizomes. Blooms/fruits: Blooms Feb-Oct. Small clusters of dark brown flowers on flowering stalks. Uses in the garden: Most useful in wet/seasonally wet areas. Good around ponds, dry streams & as an accent plant. Can even be planted in submerged pots in a shallow pond. Attractive foliage color and texture – look ‘bog like’ even in dry garden. Good in planters & containers. Easy & dependable color. Good for barrier to prevent foot travel (sharp-tipped leaves). Would make nice wet ‘meadow’ with it’s natural neighbors (above). Used by Native Californians for basketry. Several cultivars: ‘Carmen’s Gray’ – compact, gray-blue; ‘Occidental Blue’ – blue-green, 8-12 inches, fine in ponds ; ‘Elk Blue’ – fine-texture, blue-gray. Sensible substitute for: Non-native rushes, water-loving non-native grasses. Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food. Requirements: Element Requirement Sun Full sun to part-shade (part-shade in hot, sunny gardens) Soil Any local Water Tolerates seasonal flooding; OK with summer water to little/no summer water. Regular watering increases growth. Fertilizer None needed; organic mulch fine. Other Management: Spreading, so may need to contain. Can be sheared to the ground periodically (as needed; every few years) to maintain, or the dead leaves/stalks can be selectively removed. Propagation: from seed : easy in spring; 30+ day germination time by divisions : easy Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 9, 11-13, 19-21, 24, 31, 32, 46 12/21/14 © Project SOUND
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