Juncus effusus aka Cork Screw Rush

Juncus effusus, or soft rush, belongs to the rush family. This grass-like perennial grows in clumps in wet ground. Its native range spans much of the temperate Northern Hemisphere. It also reaches western South America and parts of Africa. Its range includes islands in the western Indian Ocean. It is native to Britain and Ireland. Wild plants grow in bogs, marshes, wet pastures, and damp woods.

Garden plants stand about 1–3 feet [0.3–0.9 metres] tall. The RHS gives a taller range of 3.3–4.9 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Florida plants can reach 5 feet [1.52 metres]. Mature clumps spread about 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre] across. The smooth, round stems grow upright from the base. Their green colour may have a yellow tint. Some stems arch outward as the clumps fill out. Leaves lack blades and form small sheaths around the stem bases. The RHS describes the plant as evergreen.

Small flowers grow in clusters near the tips of stems. Their colour ranges from yellow-green to brown. Bloom dates vary with place and climate. Florida records give April to June, while North Carolina gives July to September. Chicago records cover May through August. Capsules follow the flowers and hold the seeds. The plant spreads through seeds and short rhizomes. Its many seeds can help it form dense stands.

Grow soft rush in soil that stays moist. It suits pond edges and very shallow water. Full sun suits it best, though it tolerates some shade. Sources list acid soil, with North Carolina also listing neutral soil. Clay and loam suit it, including ground with poor drainage. It fits rain gardens, wet banks, and containers. Its upright stems add form without large or bright flowers. Sources rate it for USDA zones 4–9 and UK H6. Remove dead growth and spent flower stems in spring. Divide clumps from mid-spring through early summer.

Pests and diseases seldom cause trouble, according to the RHS. In Florida pastures, dense stands can reduce usable grazing land. Cattle tend to avoid the clumps, and repeated mowing gives poor control. People have used stems for mats, baskets, rope, and paper. Oil-soaked stem pith has also served as a light source. PFAF records medicinal uses for the pith. It lists young shoots as edible but warns of possible mammal toxicity. That warning limits its value as a food plant.