Grass-leaf Rush
Juncus marginatus
Last reviewed: August 2026

Toxicity unknown
Grass-leaf Rush (Juncus marginatus) 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 Grass-leaf Rush as toxic to livestock.
Light
part sun
Water
high
Size
8"–24" H × 4"–12" W
Bloom
Jun, Jul, Aug
Native to
AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles, flies
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 452 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaBrowse plants for this ecoregion
Grass-leaf rush is a compact native wetland plant that forms neat clumps of narrow, grass-like foliage. It produces small clusters of brownish flowers in summer and thrives in consistently moist to wet soils.
In an HOA neighborhood
Grass-leaf Rush is an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.
Works well in: foundation, mid zone.
- Requires consistently wet conditions which may not suit typical landscaping
- May look sparse in dry periods
Wildlife value
The summer blooms attract various pollinators including bees, beetles, and flies. Seeds provide food for wetland birds and waterfowl.
Common questions
- How much sun does Grass-leaf Rush need?
- Grass-leaf Rush grows best in part sun conditions.
- When does Grass-leaf Rush bloom?
- Grass-leaf Rush blooms in June, July, and August.
- Where is Grass-leaf Rush native?
- Grass-leaf Rush (Juncus marginatus) is native to AL, AR, AZ, CA and 37 more states, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- Is Grass-leaf Rush toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Grass-leaf Rush as toxic to livestock.
- What pollinators does Grass-leaf Rush attract?
- Grass-leaf Rush draws bees, beetles, and flies.
- Is Grass-leaf Rush HOA-friendly?
- Grass-leaf Rush is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.
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 Grass-leaf Rush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Planning a bed around it? Start a free plan with this plant
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz