Spiny Rush

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Also known as: Sharp rush, Juncus, Spiky rush, Spiny rush is a clumping plant 1–2 m tall that has very sharp tips on the leaves and stems. It can out-compete native plants and injure people and animals.  Spiny rush forms dense infestations that restrict the movement of people and animals including access to waterways. It out-competes native plants and provides habitat for pest animals such as rabbits. Spiny rush is a serious threat to coastal saltmarsh.

Plants flower at two years old.  Mature plants can produce up to 4000 seeds per year and the seeds can remain viable after many years in the soil. Seeds are spread mainly by water. They are also moved by wind, water birds, in mud, contaminated agricultural produce, vehicles and machinery.

Plants can grow from pieces of the crown or rhizomes. These can be spread by cultivation, earth-moving equipment and when contaminated soil is moved to a new area.

Removal is best, but if you want to keep it in your garden, cut off the flower heads before they set seed. Wear personal protective clothing to prevent injuries from the sharp stems and leaves when controlling this plant. Plants can be dug out and burned or disposed of in greenwaste as long as seed heads are removed and disposed of in landfill.