Rush

Rush (Juncas sp.) is a slow-growing plant that resembles a grass but is actually a woody shrub with a round stem. They are perennial, evergreen plants. Native Americans from southern California made baskets with Juncas, using the stems for the tan color and the roots for the black color. A wide range of mammal and avian species use Juncas for food and habitat. Waterfowl, songbirds, and small mammals, such as jack rabbits, cottontail, muskrat, porcupine, and gopher, eat rush seeds. Rushes help improve habitat for amphibians and spawning areas for fish. Muskrats feed on the roots, and various wetland wading birds find shelter among the stems. Rushes provide erosion control as well as wildlife food and cover, restoration and creation of wetland ecosystems, and wastewater treatment applications. Bacteria on the roots also add precious nitrogen to the soil for use by other plants, and, because cattle don't like rushes, they are ideal for stockponds as they can withstand the constant grazing while providing necessary food and cover to wildlife.