Dagger-leaf rush

Daggerleaf rush (Juncus ensifolius)
Juncus ensifolius

This rhizomatous rush grows in large upright clumps. The green dagger shaped leaves fold over along the mid-vein towards the stem, similar to iris leaves.

In favorable garden conditions, this rush can grow large and spread thickly. The accumulation of previous years’ dead stems provide shelter for wildlife in winter, but an occasional spring cleaning out of dead material helps keep rushes looking fresh, too.


  • Light Requirements: Full Sun
  • Water Requirements: Moist, Seasonally Wet
  • Ease of Growing: Easy to grow
  • Growth Rate: Fast
  • Spreads:
  • Wildlife Support: Birds or Mammals
  • Fire-resistant: No
  • Edible:
  • Mature Height: 1-2ft
  • Mature Width:1-2ft