Juncus patens

Juncus patens (Juncaceae) is a perennial rush native to the west coast of North America from Washington to California and into Baja California, Mexico. It forms narrow, erect bunches to 3 feet tall and 1 to 2 feet wide, with thin gray-green, waxy, grooved stems (12 to 35 inches). In the wild it inhabits seeps, springs, riparian zones, stream beds, and marshes.

Despite its wetland origins, spreading rush is notably drought tolerant once established. Its tall, narrow form fits comfortably in narrow beds and containers. The cultivar 'Elk Blue' features intensified blue-gray stem color. The species is valued for habitat restoration, wildlife gardens, and naturalistic landscaping where a fine-textured vertical accent is needed. It spreads slowly by rhizomes.