Soft Rush, Common rush, Lamp rush, Pacific rush

Juncus effusus

Physical Characteristics

Juncus effusus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Throughout the northern temperate zone, including Britain, east and south Africa, Australasia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Meadow; Pond; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots Edible Uses: Young shoots - raw[118, 257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity.

Medicinal Uses

Antiphlogistic Depurative Diuretic Febrifuge Lenitive Lithontripic Pectoral Sedative Urinary The pith of the stem is antiphlogistic, depurative, discutient, diuretic, febrifuge, lenitive, lithontripic, pectoral and sedative. It is used in the treatment of sore throats, jaundice, oedema, acute urinary tract infection and morbid crying of babies.

Known Hazards

Possibly toxic to mammals[76].