Juncus usitatus, commonly known as Common Rush, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the rush family Juncaceae. It is native to wetlands, riparian zones, and moist grasslands in eastern Australia and New Zealand. This species typically grows in clumps reaching 16 inches to 3.6 feet in height. Common Rush has cylindrical, green stems that are unbranched and may appear leafless, with small, brownish flowers clustered at the stem tips, blooming in spring and summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but they do add a subtle texture to the plant’s overall appearance.

Common Rush is valued for its ability to stabilize soil and filter water in wetland restoration projects. It is also used ornamentally in water gardens and as a structural element in contemporary landscape design. In cultivation, Juncus usitatus requires consistently moist to wet soil and can grow in full sun to part shade. It is relatively low-maintenance, but gardeners should ensure it does not dry out. While it is not prone to serious pests or diseases, it can become invasive if conditions allow it to spread unchecked.CC BY-SA 4.0