Juncus occidentalis, commonly known as Western Rush, is a perennial herb native to wetlands, riparian zones, and moist meadows in the western United States. It is a bunching plant that typically grows 12 to 24 inches tall, with slender, stiff, cylindrical stems and basal leaves that are reduced to bladeless sheaths. The inflorescence consists of loose clusters of green-striped, brownish to reddish flowers, which bloom in late spring to summer. The flowers give way to small, brown capsules that contain the seeds. Western Rush is appreciated for its architectural form and texture in water gardens and naturalized areas.

Western Rush is valued for its ability to thrive in wet conditions and is often used in rain gardens, bioswales, and as a natural filtration system in water features. It is a low-maintenance plant that can tolerate a range of soil types, provided they are consistently moist. It prefers full sun to part shade and can be an effective ground cover in suitable environments. While generally disease-free, it can become invasive if conditions allow for unchecked growth.CC BY-SA 4.0