Why choose native plants? Pacific Northwest native plants know how to live here and how to thrive here. They often need much less water and less fertilizer. They spread slowly and are not invasive. They support a wide diversity of wildlife. And best of all, they look great!
Juncus patens is a species of rush, known by the common names spreading rush and California grey rush. It is native to the West Coast of the United States from Washington to California, and into Baja California, Mexico. With its upright growth habit and distinctive flowering stems, Juncus patens is a grass-like evergreen perennial that adds visual interest to the garden. Tall, wire-like stems are gray-green in color and grow in clumps that can slowly spread over time. Small golden flower clusters bloom along the stems rather than at the tips. After flowering, the plant develops bunches of spherical red fruits. Blooms between May and August. Normally found in areas that are moist year-round, it’s a tough plant that can also grow in areas that are seasonally dry. In the garden, it can be planted near water features but it also does well in dry areas with minimal summer irrigation. Often used in lawn replacement applications, where its tall, rigid stems complement low-growing groundcover plants. Grows 1-3 feet tall, depending on conditions, and 3 feet wide. Full sun to partial shade, moist to wet soil tolerates no drainage and seasonal flooding. It can be surprisingly drought tolerant once established. Photo courtesy of SevenOaks.
