1. Iris-leaf Rush – Juncus xiphioides
(JUN-kus zif-ee-OI-dees)
Family: Juncaceae (Rush Family)
Native to: Southwestern U.S. from OR to Baja, including ocean-influenced SW CA; Salt marshes,
moist areas, ditches, springs, lake and stream shores in Chaparral or Coastal Scrub, Coastal Areas,
Desert Mountains, Deserts, Foothill, Oak Woodlands, Grasslands, Mountains.
clumping perennial rush mature height: 1-2 ft. mature width: 2-3+ ft.
Spreading rush with broad, flat iris-like leaves. Foliage grey-green, evergreen with water (but can
be drought-dormant), attractive. Showy globular heads of dark brown seedheads
Growth characteristics:
Blooms May-Oct. Flowers small, green (grass-like flowers) in heads.
seed heads in summer/fall are more showy than the flowers.
Blooms/fruits:
The dried
Uses in the garden: Most useful along pools & ponds or along steam beds (included constructed
garden streams and filtration wetlands). Useful in rain gardens/swales. Interesting pot plant. Good
groundcover with regular water - is very drought tolerant but will become dormant with little water.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native rushes.
Attracts: Provides seeds for bird food. Lizards hide in foliage.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun to part shade (even fairly shady – but slower growing, less flowering)
any
Very adaptable. Looks best with some summer water. Can take anything from little
to regular summer water (even damp soils ok).
Not needed; organic mulches fine
Management:
Easy to grow. Spreads by rhizomes, so you may want to plant in a contained area.
Propagation: from seed:
yes – in pots
by root cuttings: easy; divide rhizomes (include at least
1 ‘eye’ per piece) and repot in pot or ground.
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 3, 8, 10, 13, 16, 20
12/6/10
© Project SOUND