Brownhead Rush
Juncus phaeocephalus var. phaeocephalus
Care
full sun, part shade
high
Fast, Medium, Slow; Tolerates a wide variety of soils.
1–2ft tall , 4–6ft wide
Mar-Aug
Evergreen
Friendly
Meadows, grasslands, and riparian areas throughout the Sierra Nevada, Cascade Range, and mountains of northern California, 3000-8000 ft elevation, extending to Oregon and Washington.
Care Guide
Planting
Plant Brownhead Rush in full sun or part shade - if you're in an inland Bay Area location, part shade or shade is actually preferable. This native rush tolerates almost any soil type and thrives in fast, medium, or slow drainage, so you have flexibility here; just avoid heavily compacted soil if possible. Plant it in spring or early fall to give it time to establish before extreme heat or cold.
After Planting
Water generously during your first growing season - this plant prefers high water and needs consistent moisture to get established. Once it's growing vigorously (usually by year 2), you can dial back watering, though it will continue to prefer consistently moist conditions. The biggest mistake is letting it dry out completely in summer; treat it as a thirsty plant even after establishment, especially in hot inland areas.
Endangered & Threatened Species Supported
California Threatened species
Wildlife Supported
Birds
nesting season diet; uses dense rush stands for cover and nesting substrate in wetland margins
forages for small arthropods on stems and leaves throughout year in montane rush meadows
Mammals
early spring grazing on fresh new growth in wet meadows and montane seeps