Juncus bolanderi, commonly known as Bolander’s rush, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to wetland habitats, including freshwater marshes, wet meadows, and the edges of streams and lakes in western North America, from British Columbia to northern California. It typically forms dense tufts or bunches of smooth, cylindrical stems that can reach up to 32 inches in length. The inflorescences consist of clusters of small, brownish flowers that appear from late spring to summer, with a long, leaf-like bract that extends beyond the flowers, giving the plant a distinctive appearance.

Bolander’s rush is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in restoration projects to stabilize soil and provide habitat for wildlife. It is also suitable for water gardens and riparian plantings. In cultivation, it requires consistently moist to wet soil and can tolerate a range of light conditions from full sun to part shade. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can spread aggressively in ideal conditions, so care should be taken to manage its growth in smaller garden settings.CC BY-SA 4.0