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Juncus effusus 'Curly Wurly'

Image of Juncus effusus 'Curly Wurly'

Plant Family

Juncaceae

Plant Botanical Name

Juncus effusus 'Curly Wurly'

Photo by: GERALD L. KLINGAMAN

Plant Common Name

Common Rush, Corkscrew Rush, Curly Wurly Rush

General Description

Corkscrew rush is a hardy, water-loving, evergreen to semi-evergreen perennial that is native to many regions throughout the world. It forms clumps of stiff, cylindrical, grass-like foliage of medium green. In summer to autumn it produces small tufted brown flowers at its blade tips. Cultivar 'Curly Wurly' forms a somewhat shorter clump with very spiraled leaves. It is best used in the foreground of a container or extremely wet garden soil locale where it can readily seen.

Corkscrew rush grows best in sites with moist, acidic soil and full to partial sun. It tolerates standing water and is often found in boggy areas or along watersides. As a landscape specimen, it is a superb water garden/garden plant, is well suited to aquatic containers as well as moist soiled containers placed in partial shade.

Characteristics
  • AHS Heat Zone

    9 - 6

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    5 - 9

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Sedge or Rush

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun

  • Height

    8"-14" / 20.3cm - 35.6cm

  • Width

    8"-10" / 20.3cm - 25.4cm

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall

  • Native To

    World/Pandemic, North America, Europe, Russia/Siberia, Africa, Asia

Growing Conditions
  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral

  • Soil Drainage

    Poorly Drained

  • Soil type

    Clay, Loam, Sand

  • Tolerances

    Wet Site, Salt

  • Growth Rate

    Fast

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water, Ample Water

  • Habit

    Clump-Forming

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features
  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    Brown

  • Fruit Color

    Brown

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Fine

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Semi-Evergreen

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics
  • Usage

    Bog Garden, Container, Feature Plant, Mixed Border, Water Gardens

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    Sometimes

  • Self-Sowing

    No