Soft rush, Japanese mat rush, Bog rush, Goza-grass
Juncus effusus

Family: Juncaceae

What it is like

A rush which forms tufts or clumps. The stems are rigid and smooth but twisted. It has green spikes up to 1 m tall. It spreads 75 cm wide. The leaves are soft tipped and most leaves are near the base. The flower spikes are brown.

There are about 300 Juncus species. The stems are woven into floor mats.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in damp habitats and in marshes and near pools and streams. It will grow in water 8-13 cm deep. It suits hardiness zones 6-9. Tasmanian Herbarium. In Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bhutan, Brazil, Britain, Chile, China, Europe, Falklands, France, Greece, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Korea, Laos, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mediterranean, Nepal, New Zealand, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Portugal, SE Asia, Sikkim, Slovenia, South America (country/location of origin), Spain, Sri Lanka, St Helena, Taiwan, Tasmania, Thailand, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, Vietnam, West Indies (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The young shoots are eaten raw.

It is sold in local markets in China.

Edible parts

Leaves, shoots, flowers, plant - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by division of the rhizome. They can be grown from seed but they are very small.

Its other names

Local names

Avadno ločje

Synonyms

Juncus communis E. Mey.;