Description

The common rush grows in relatively moist areas in the coastal mountains of California into Oregon and Washington. A small population is also found in the foothills of the northern Sierra Nevada. Common rush is an indicator species for high seasonal moisture. It joins our sedges and - of course - grasses as our predominant grass-like vegetation. Common rush grows as an expanding patch of vertical, cylindrical blue-green stems. The stems are leafless. The small yellow flower clusters grow from slits in the stem, providing a mild color accent against the green foliage. These mature into orange-brown, round seed heads. The ‘Elk Blue’ selection is somewhat shorter than the species, and has finer stems that are exceptionally blue-green. Common rush is amazingly hardy. It accepts standing water to drought in shade to sun. The amount of water offered should be in proportion to the degree of sun exposure, though only occasional water is required in even full sun. The ‘Elk Blue’ selection was made near the town of Elk in Mendocino County and introduced by San Marcos Growers in Goleta, CA.