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Arctic Rush

Juncus arcticus

Last reviewed: October 2026

Arctic Rush (Juncus arcticus)
Photo: (c) Sarah Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY)

Toxicity unknown

Arctic Rush (Juncus arcticus) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Arctic Rush as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

high

Size

8"–24" H × 6"–12" W

Bloom

Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

WY

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Basin and RangeNorthwestern Forested MountainsNorth American DesertsSouthern RockiesArizona/New Mexico MountainsChihuahuan DesertsHigh PlainsSouthwestern TablelandsMadrean Archipelago

Arctic rush is a clump-forming wetland plant with narrow, upright stems that create a fountain-like appearance. It produces small, inconspicuous brown flowers in late summer and requires consistently moist to wet soil conditions to thrive.

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In an HOA neighborhood

Arctic Rush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: high. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Requires very wet conditions unsuitable for typical yards
  • Looks like unmanaged wetland vegetation
  • May appear weedy or wild to untrained observers

Wildlife value

This rush provides nesting material and cover for waterfowl and marsh birds. The seeds are eaten by various songbirds and waterfowl.

Common questions

How much sun does Arctic Rush need?
Arctic Rush grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Arctic Rush bloom?
Arctic Rush blooms in July, August, and September.
Where is Arctic Rush native?
Arctic Rush (Juncus arcticus) is native to WY, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Arctic Rush toxic to livestock?
The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Arctic Rush as toxic to livestock.
Is Arctic Rush HOA-friendly?
Arctic Rush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

See all plant problem guides

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