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Canadian Rush

Juncus canadensis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Canadian Rush (Juncus canadensis)
Photo: Robert H. Mohlenbrock. USDA NRCS. 1995. Northeast wetland flora: Field office guide to plant species. Northeast National Technical Center, Chester. Courtesy of USDA NRCS Wetland Science Institute. / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)

Light

part sun

Water

high

Size

8"–32" H × 4"–12" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep

Native to

WA

Canadian rush is a native wetland grass that forms upright clumps of narrow, green stems. It thrives in consistently moist to wet soils and produces small, inconspicuous brown flower clusters from summer into fall.

In an HOA neighborhood

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

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Appears very grass-like and informal
  • Requires consistently wet conditions
  • May look unkempt to traditional landscaping preferences

Wildlife value

This rush provides nesting material and cover for small birds and supports various wetland insects. The seeds are eaten by waterfowl and songbirds in late summer and fall.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Does Canadian Rush fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.

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