Basket rush
Juncus textilis
Last reviewed: September 2026
Basket rush (Juncus textilis) is a perennial grass native to CA. It blooms in May, June, and July. The flowers draw wind-pollinated.
Toxicity unknown
Basket rush (Juncus textilis) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
high
Size
36"–72" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
May, Jun, Jul
Native to
CA
Pollinators
wind-pollinated
Before you buy
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A tall, rigid rush called basket rush, forming dense upright clumps of round, tough stems historically used in basketry. Grows in wet seeps and along stream margins.
Growing Basket rush
Grow Basket rush in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 36 to 72 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Provides dense cover and nesting structure for birds and shelter for small wildlife along streambanks.
Common questions
- How much sun does Basket rush need?
- Basket rush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Basket rush bloom?
- Basket rush blooms in May, June, and July.
- Where is Basket rush native?
- Basket rush (Juncus textilis) is native to CA, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
- What pollinators does Basket rush attract?
- Basket rush draws wind-pollinated.
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.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Basket rush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.