Juncus nevadensis, commonly known as Sierra Rush, is a rhizomatous perennial herb native to wet meadows, marshes, and the edges of streams and lakes in the western United States, particularly in the Sierra Nevada range. This species typically grows between 10 and 70 centimeters in height, with thin, smooth, cylindrical stems that resemble grass. The leaves, which may reach up to 30 centimeters long, are also green and grass-like. Sierra Rush blooms from late spring to summer, producing inflorescences that contain multiple flowers. Each flower has dark to very light brown tepals, six stamens with prominent anthers, and elongated stigmas. The fruit is a glossy chestnut brown capsule, which adds to the plant’s ornamental value.

Sierra Rush is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, wetland restoration, and as a water-wise plant in appropriate areas. Its ability to thrive with low water once established makes it suitable for xeriscaping in wetter climates. It prefers full sun to part shade and grows best in soils with slow to medium drainage. While it is not typically prone to diseases, it can suffer in conditions that are too dry for its liking. In cultivation, it is important to mimic its natural wetland habitat for optimal growth.CC BY-SA 4.0