Juncus effusus (Soft Rush)

Native across extensive temperate regions of the world, this perennial wetland rush forms clumps of upright, smooth, cylindrical green stems, with bladeless sheaths surrounding their bases. Branched clusters of small yellowish green to brown flowers appear near the upper portions of the stems. Capsules develop after flowering and release numerous small seeds. The species grows in bogs, marshes, swamps, and other wet ground. Its dense roots help stabilize wet ground, and the stems shelter wetland birds. It is used in Japanese tatami mats and is cultivated in rain gardens, water gardens and containers. Photographed in Colombia.