Soft Rush Juncus effusus subsp. solutus

Eastern Soft Rush is a perennial, flowering, ornamental grass or sedge. In its native environment in Eastern Canada and the eastern United States it can often be found in moist soil, marshes, the margins of streams, ponds, swamps and low meadows. It can spread aggressively by rhizomes or self-seeding and clumps can easily be divided in the spring and replanted directly into the soil. The stems may appear to be coarse and stiff, but they are soft to the touch. The genus name means rush. The species name means loose-spreading in reference to the plant's spreading habit.

Eastern Soft Rush does well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. It grows in full sun, but tolerates partial shade, and prefers moist or consistently wet conditions. For best flowering, plant in full sun. It will tolerate strong winds, but does not do well with exposure to seaside salt. In cooler climates, outdoor clumps will die back to the ground in winter and old foliage can be cut back in early spring to rejuvenate the plant. Eastern Soft Rush is not typically grown as a garden plant, but will do well at the edge of a pond as a water garden accent or in containers.

Diseases, Insect Pests and Other Plant Problems: 

No known insect or disease problems, but rust, leaf spot and stem rots can occur.