Sharp rush
Juncus acutus
Last reviewed: September 2026
Sharp rush (Juncus acutus) is a perennial grass native to AZ, CA, NV. It blooms in April, May, and June.
Toxicity unknown
Sharp rush (Juncus acutus) 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
medium
Size
24"–60" H × 24"–48" W
Bloom
Apr, May, Jun
Native to
AZ, CA, NV
Before you buy
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A bold, clumping rush with stiff, sharply pointed cylindrical leaves forming a large tussock, and inconspicuous brownish, wind-pollinated flower clusters. Tolerates both wet and dry, salty soils but the spiny leaf tips give it a coarse, architectural rather than groomed presence.
Growing Sharp rush
Grow Sharp rush in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 24 to 60 inches tall and spread 24 to 48 inches wide.
Wildlife value
Its dense tussock provides cover and nesting structure for shorebirds and small wildlife in coastal marsh and dune habitat.
Common questions
- How much sun does Sharp rush need?
- Sharp rush grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Sharp rush bloom?
- Sharp rush blooms in April, May, and June.
- Where is Sharp rush native?
- Sharp rush (Juncus acutus) is native to AZ, CA, NV, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
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 Sharp rush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.