Baltic Rush
Juncus balticus
Family: Juncaceae
What it is like
Juncus balticus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from June to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Damp to wet soils, usually in saline conditions.
N. Europe, Northern N. America, N. Asia in boreal areas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
A sugar forms along the top of the plant. This can be gathered and eaten as candy. Seed. No more details are given but the seed is very small. The stems are used to make a fermented drink.
Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.
Drink: not including plant saps, tea or coffee substitutes.
Sweetener: includes sugar substitutes.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The stems are used in making woven baskets, thatching, weaving mats etc. The basal portions of the stems have been used as a light yellow-brown decoration on baskets.
Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a moist soil, bog garden or shallow water. Prefers a heavy soil in sun or light shade. Plants can form large clumps and spread aggressively at the roots.
Propagating it: Seed - surface sow in pots in a cold frame in early spring and keep the compost moist. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently, otherwise in late spring of the following year. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 3-7
Growth: Fast
Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet, water
Things to keep in mind
Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, there is a report that one member of this genus is possibly toxic to mammals..