Hard Rush

Juncus inflexus (Juncaceae) is a tufted, rhizomatous perennial rush native to temperate regions of Europe, Asia, Africa, and Micronesia, now naturalized in Australia, New Zealand, and eastern North America. Growing about 1 foot tall with a 1- to 2-foot spread, it forms stiff clumps of distinctive glaucous (waxy blue-gray) stems lined with 15 to 20 vertical ridges and filled with interrupted spongy pith.

Hard rush thrives in sun to part shade in moist to wet soils and tolerates occasional flooding and heavy clay. It is evergreen in Zones 7 to 9, dying back in colder climates. Small reddish-brown flower clusters appear from late spring to midsummer near the stem tips. The cultivar 'Blue Arrows' is grown for its particularly blue-toned stems. Plants can be slow to establish but are low maintenance once settled. They work well in rain gardens, boggy sites, and containers. Hardy in Zones 4a to 9b.