Path Rush - Juncus tenuis

Features: This plant's common name reflects its tolerance for the compacted soil of woodland paths. The seeds become sticky when wet, helping them spread by animals and shoes. It can be a bit weedy given the chance and will spread as a ground cover.

Its narrow medium to dark green stalks may look like grass at first but are thinner and round in profile. It is a cool season plant that actively grows in the spring and fall.

Many pollinators feed on rushes, including beetles, seed bugs, leaf hoppers, and moths. The seeds may be eaten by small rodents and birds.

Light: Full sun to light shade

Soil: Moist to medium. Tolerates clay, gravel, trampling and dry periods

Height: up to 1 foot

Blooms:  June, July

See more information and photos at: Illinois Wildflowers

and North Carolina State Extension

Photos:  1,2 Illinois Wildflowers; 3 Midwest Groundcovers