Black needlerush
Juncus roemerianus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) is a perennial grass native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states. It blooms in April, May, and June.
Toxicity unknown
Black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) 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
24"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states
Before you buy
Your city may pay you to plant this
Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 458 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
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A coarse, stiff, dark green rush with sharply pointed, needle-like leaves that forms dense, uniform stands in brackish and salt marsh. Spreads extensively by rhizomes to dominate the high marsh zone.
Growing Black needlerush
Grow Black needlerush in full sun and high water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.
Wildlife value
The extensive stands provide critical nesting and nursery habitat for marsh birds, fish, and crustaceans along the coast.
Common questions
- How much sun does Black needlerush need?
- Black needlerush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Black needlerush bloom?
- Black needlerush blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Black needlerush native?
- Black needlerush (Juncus roemerianus) is native to AL, DE, FL, GA and 7 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). 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 Black needlerush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.