July Plant Profile: Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’
Scientific Name: Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’
Common Name: Corkscrew rush
Family: Juncaceae
Native Range (of Juncus effusus): Throughout North America, South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
The straight species of corkscrew rush, Juncus effusus, has a plethora of common names – including common rush and soft rush – and can be found in temperate climates all over the globe. Juncus is hardy in USDA zones 1-11. While the green stems fade to tan and die back in winter in cooler climates, in warmer climates Juncus is evergreen. Its yellow to brown flowers bloom in late summer and appear in clusters known as cymes, giving way to capsule-like fruits.
Juncus effusus prefers full sun to part shade and -being a wetland grass – needs moist soil to thrive and can tolerate a few inches of water above its crown. It spreads through both rhizome division and self-seeding and can spread quite rapidly if uncontrolled.
You can find a fantastic example of Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’ in a pot in the south-eastern corner of the McVay Courtyard, which caught my eye during one of our Adult Education team’s lunch breaks. The source of this plant’s cultivar name of corkscrew rush is very evident from first glance, with its curlicued stems springing from its crown. Corkscrew rush grows to 1.5 feet in height and spread, and is generally more suited to being a specimen plant than the straight species, making it a perfect candidate for a rain garden or for use in a water feature. Corkscrew rush is not susceptible to many pests or diseases but is easily drought stressed. Remember, rush is a wetland plant, so if you put it in a pot be sure to water it very frequently.
Both ‘Spiralis’ and the straight species can also be found in the Cascadia Entry Garden in Pacific Connections in the Washington Park Arboretum.
Sources:
Juncus effusus (Common Rush, Green Bull Rush, Soft Rush) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Juncus effusus ‘Spiralis’ (Corkscrew Rush) | North Carolina Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox
Juncus effusus f. spiralis – Plant Finder