Sharp Rush, Spiny rush, Leopold's rush
Juncus acutus
Family: Juncaceae
What it is like
Juncus acutus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower in June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. 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): 1.5
Where it is found
Sandy sea shores and dune slacks, occasionally in salt marshes.
Southern Europe, including Britain, south and east from France to N. Africa and Macronesia.
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 making woven baskets, 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: Pond; Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 0-0
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), 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..