''Juncus effusus'' 'Spiralis', the corkscrew rush (sometimes referred to as ''Juncus spiralis''), is a perennial plant with green spiraling

stem Stem or STEM may refer to: Plant structures * Plant stem, a plant's aboveground axis, made of vascular tissue, off which leaves and flowers hang * Stipe (botany), a stalk to support some other structure * Stipe (mycology), the stem of a mushro ...

s. It is a cultivar of the soft rush, ''Juncus effusus''.

Description

The plants grow to 45 cm (18 in) high. The young, leafless stems are light green and coiled, with the coils becoming looser with age. They grow in both a horizontal and vertical direction. By winter, the stems become a yellow-brown or tan colour. Flowers are both rare and insignificant in terms of the plant’s appearance. They are yellow-green or light brown.

Origin and name

The origin of the cultivar is uncertain, though Japan is thought to be a possibility. The cultivar has also been referred to as ''Juncus effusus'' f. ''spiralis'' and ''Scirpus lacustris'' 'Spiralis'. In the United States the cultivar is often confused with ''

Juncus balticus ''Juncus balticus'' is a species of rush known by the common name Baltic rush. It is a perennial flowering plant in the family Juncaceae. This plant can reach a height of about 75 cm. It is native to maritime areas of northern Britain, the ...

'' 'Spiralis'.

Cultivation

The cultivar is often grown as a novelty plant due to its unusual form. It prefers a situation in sun or partial shade and acidic soil. Plants require permanent water, ideally between 5 and 10 cm deep, or continual irrigation. In-ground containers are sometimes used to contain spread. The cultivar is relatively free of pest or diseases, but is susceptible to drought stress. The plants are maintained by the removal of old stems in spring. In North America, they are able to be grown in

USDA Hardiness Zones A hardiness zone is a geographic area defined as having a certain average annual minimum temperature, a factor relevant to the survival of many plants. In some systems other statistics are included in the calculations. The original and most wide ...

4 and higher. It is suited to container cultivation and can be used as a houseplant. It can be grown on the edge of water bodies to help control erosion. Propagation is done by division of plants during the active growing phase of the plant. Stems are used in floral arrangements. It can self-seed and become troublesome in some areas.

References

{{reflist effusus 'Spiralis' Garden plants Ornamental plant cultivars