Easily grown in wet soils, including standing water, in full sun. Tolerates light shade, but best in full sun. Needs ample moisture and grows well in standing water up to about 4” deep. Plants are often slow to establish, but once established will slowly spread by creeping roots. Plant in containers in water gardens. Plant elsewhere in containers sunk in mud if control of possible unwanted spread is desired.
The species, known as common rush or soft rush, is a grass-like, rhizomatous perennial that features cylindrical upright green stems in spreading clumps to 30” tall. It is one of the true rushes. This plant is commonly known as corkscrew rush because it features a tuft of cylindrical, tightly-spiraled, corkscrew-like green stems (to 1/4” thick) which uncoil as they grow and spread out in all directions (both upward and prostrate). Clumps typically grow to 14-18” tall with a similar spread. Insignificant, tiny, yellowish green to pale brown flowers appear in compact clusters (cymes) at or slightly below the stem tips in summer. Corkscrew stems are often cut for floral arrangements. To some, spiral-type rushes are unique and interesting foliage plants whose corkscrew-like foliage provides texture and contrast to gardens. To others, the spiral-type rushes are little more than tangled weeds. De gustibus non est disputandum.
No serious insect or disease problems.
May be grown at the edge of a pond or water garden, in boggy areas, among wet pebbles or rocks or in several inches of standing water. Good water garden accent. Adds a certain amount of authenticity to transitional waterside areas. May help control soil erosion on banks. Effective in containers.
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