Hard Rush, European meadow rush
Juncus inflexus

Family: Juncaceae

What it is like

Juncus inflexus is a PERENNIAL. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4. 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. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water.

Height (m): 0

Where it is found

Damp pastures, especially on heavy basic or neutral soils.

Europe, including Britain, from Sweden south and east to N. Africa, the Himalayas and Monglia.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

The stems are used in basket making, thatching, weaving mats etc.

Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.

Thatching: Used for making thatched roofs.

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.

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: Meadow; Pond; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 4-8

Growth:

Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist, wet, water

Things to keep in mind

The plant is reported to be toxic to mammals. It causes irritation of the stomach and diarrhoea, followed by nervousness and progressive blindness; the animal may die of cerebral haemorrhage, preceded by convulsions.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

J. glaucus. Sibth.