Gardening information for Pointed rush - Juncus oxymeris

1. Pointed rush – Juncus oxymeris (JUN-cuss ox-ee-MARE-us)
Family: Juncaceae (Rush Family)
Native to: Far western North America from British Columbia, Canada to CA. Locally on Catalina
Island and in the San Gabriels; in wet places like stream and lake shores, montane meadows and
season wetlands from ~400 to 7000 ft. elevation.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial rush mature height: 2-3 ft. mature width: 2-3 ft.
Clumping/spreading rush with flattened, somewhat iris-like leaves and lovely green color.
Evergreen with water, otherwise dies back. Spreads via underground rhizomes. Fast growth.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms late spring of summer – May to Aug. depending on elevation. Flowers are
fairly showy for a rush; tan/straw-colored in a loose panicle (many-branched flower cluster). Very
pleasant accent when in bloom.
Uses in the garden: Most often used around ponds/pools and in rain gardens. Good plant for
erosion control on wet banks. Lovely in a bog pot. Useful for any moist area of the garden.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native rushes.
Attracts: Good bird habitat: provides cover and seeds for food.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to part-shade.
Soil Best in clays. OK in loams – probably difficult in sands.
Water Moderate to regular water (Water Zone 2-3 to 3 best).
Fertilizer Leaf mulch is fine – only fertilize if in a container.
Other Tolerates salinity, some compaction.
Management: Prune off old leaves in winter. Will spread with adequate water so contain or divide
if this is not desired. Does not appear to spread appreciably from seed.
Propagation: from seed: may need soaking by divisions: easy in winter/early spring
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 2, 3, 8, 39 12/29/14
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