Soft Rush (Juncus effusus) is a native perennial herbaceous plant species found throughout the United Kingdom, belonging to the Juncaceae family. It is commonly known for its soft, cylindrical stems and is typically found in a variety of wetland habitats, including marshes, fens, bogs, and along the margins of rivers, ponds, and lakes.

Soft Rush thrives in nutrient-rich, moist soils, often favouring habitats with standing water or consistently damp conditions. It can tolerate a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, making it a dominant species in wetland ecosystems.

Predators of Soft Rush include herbivores such as waterfowl and grazing mammals, which may feed on its foliage. However, its tough, fibrous stems and unpalatable taste often provide some protection from extensive browsing.

As a perennial plant, Soft Rush can live for several years, forming dense clumps of upright stems and producing small, inconspicuous flowers in summer. It reproduces primarily via seeds and can also spread through rhizomes, allowing it to form extensive colonies in wetland habitats.

Culturally, Soft Rush does not hold significant symbolic or traditional references in the UK. However, it is valued for its role in stabilising wetland soils, preventing erosion, and providing habitat for various species of insects, birds, and other wildlife.

An interesting fact about Soft Rush is its historical use in traditional crafts, such as basket weaving and thatching. Its flexible stems were once harvested and used to make baskets, mats, and roof thatching material in rural communities across the UK.