Juncus tenuis

Sizes available: HPP 1 quart

Basics: zone 2-9, 6-24" x 6-24", full sun to part shade (can take quite a bit of shade), tiny green flowers in summer, medium-wet to medium-dry (but it's preference would be toward the wetter side), tolerant of compacted soil, clay, sand, gravel, and drought once established

Common names: Path Rush, Slender Rush, Wire Grass, Poverty Rush, Field Rush, Slender Yard Rush

Family: Juncaceae

Origin/Distribution: native to all the United States and most of Canada, and also native in parts of northern Europe

Habitat: open woods, and dampish woodland edges, waste places, sidewalk edges, disturbed sites, roadsides, cropped fields, parking lots - an "adaptable opportunist"

More: As you can tell by the basic information above, J. tenuis can grow pretty much anywhere and will be a different-sized, grassy presence depending on its conditions. Good for erosion control or ground cover on a tough site. A durable edger for paths and borders, Provides cover and nesting sites for birds and small mammals. It is tolerant of moderate foot traffic, and deer and rabbit resistant. This plant has been introduced out of its native range in Europe, east Asia, and Australia.

Nursery: Honey Petal Plants

Image credits: Frank Meuschke from Shelterwood Gardens; illustration from Wikimedia Commons