PLANT OF THE MONTH:
Gray Rush
Juncus patens
IN THE GARDEN: This evergreen clumping perennial grows 1-2 feet tall and has steely gray-blue stems and tan flowers. Gray rush can be used in different garden situations from a dry garden in shade (once established) to 4" deep in a pond. Gray rush evokes the presence of water and looks beautiful in Japanese-style gardens. Combine with western columbine, island alum root, seep monkeyflowers, and any low-growing species of ceanothus. Adapted to our dry summers and wet winters. Flowers and fruit capsules February to October.
ECOLOGICAL VALUE: Attracts birds and drought tolerant.
NATIVE DISTRIBUTION: It is found primarily along the coast and coastal mountains, in marshes and other wet areas (calscape.org).
AT THE NURSERY: We currently have 530 in Stub containers for $1.75 each, 47 in D-16 containers for $4.75 each, and 244 in TB2 containers for $4.95 each.
