Basket rush is a large, evergreen grass-like rush native to coastal California. It spreads via stout rhizomes to form clumping perennials that can reach 10 feet wide. The rigid, woody stems retain their shape when dried and are used for basket making. Basket rush blooms from May to June but retains seed heads through summer, providing habitat and food for wildlife. It is often used for pond and stream banks, as a barrier plant, and to stabilize slopes, and makes an attractive addition to containers or as a background plant.

1. Basket Rush – Juncus textilis (JUN-kus TEX-ti-lis)
Family: Juncaceae (Rush Family)
Native to: Outer Coastal Ranges of central & S. CA from Santa Barbara Co. to N. Mexico; dry or moist
(often damp) soils, usually in foothills, lower elevations.
Growth characteristics: clumping perennial rush mature height: 3-6 ft. mature width: 10+ ft.
Large, evergreen grass-like rush that spreads via stout rhizomes. Stems are stout and lighter green that
the similar Common Rush (Juncus balticus). Rigid, somewhat woody stems retain their cylindrical shape
when dried. Tips are pointed, sharp – plant where will not be a hazard.
Blooms/fruits: Blooms May/June, but retains seed heads & seeds through summer. Flowering heads are
located along stems, contain numerous flowers in loose bunches. Fruits & seeds more showy than
flowers.
Uses in the garden: Most often used for pond and stream banks. Also makes an attractive barrier plant.
Good for stabilizing slopes. Attractive and unusual plant for large containers & planters. Use as
background for contrasting plants. Important plant for basket-making.
Sensible substitute for: Non-native rushes, ornamental grasses.
Attracts: Excellent habitat plant: seed eaten by waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals ; provides
cover and improves water quality for fish, amphibians.
Requirements:
Element Requirement
Sun Full sun to light shade
Soil Any texture (sand to clay); any local pH
Water Needs moist soils, especially for establishment. Can tolerate periods of flooding
and drought once established.
Fertilizer Probably tolerates occasional; leaf mulch OK
Other
Management: Best contained in the garden setting, although limiting water can inhibit spreading.
Regular harvesting of stems and/or periodic cutting back to above the rhizomes (or burning) rejuvenates
plants.
Propagation: from seed: pre-soak fresh seed; need light, heat. by divisions: easy
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 2, 8, 13, 14, 20 1/19/15
© Project SOUND

2. Juncus textilis
Basket rush

5. Native Plant Garden – Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Torrance CA

6. Native Plant Garden – Madrona Marsh Nature Center, Torrance CA

7. Garden of Dreams – Cal State University Dominguez Hills, Carson CA
Young plant – less than 1 year old