•Status in Florida: Native
•Size at Maturity: Soft Rush typically grows as a perennial herbaceous plant, reaching heights of about 2 to 4 feet tall.
•Phenology: Perennial herb with upright, cylindrical stems and clusters of small, brownish flowers that bloom in late spring to summer.
•Life Cycle: Perennial
•Bloom Season: Late spring to summer
•Deciduous, Dioecious, Evergreen: Evergreen
•Sunlight Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
•Soil Texture: Moist to wet soils; often found in marshes, swamps, and along pond margins
•Soil pH: Tolerant of a wide range, but prefers slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5-7.0)
•Moisture Requirements: Requires consistently moist to wet soil; tolerant of periodic flooding
•Tolerance to Salt Spray: Low tolerance
•Recommended Landscape Uses: Wetland gardens, rain gardens, pond margins, stream banks, naturalized areas
•Maintenance Tips: Low maintenance; prune back as needed to control size and prevent self-seeding; may benefit from occasional division to rejuvenate plant vigor
•Considerations: Soft Rush is an important component of wetland ecosystems and provides habitat and food for various wildlife species.
•Deer and/or Rabbit Resistance: Moderately resistant; typically not preferred by deer or rabbits
•Edible: While not typically consumed by humans, some Native American tribes historically used Soft Rush for weaving and basketry.
•Medicinal Uses: Historically used in traditional medicine by Native American tribes for various purposes, including as a poultice for wounds and as a treatment for sore muscles.
•Toxicity to Pets: Not known to be toxic to pets, but ingestion of large quantities of plant material may cause gastrointestinal upset.
•Florida Native Companion Plant: Soft Rush is often found growing alongside other native wetland plants, including species such as Pickerelweed (Pontederia cordata) and Swamp Sunflower (Helianthus angustifolius).
•Wildlife Benefit: Provides habitat and food for birds, insects, and other wildlife; stabilizes soil along water bodies and helps prevent erosion.
