An exceptionally showy grass-like rush, with striking copper-colored ‘pom-pom’ flowers and seedheads. Daggerleaf rush is one of the plants that is equally at home in the wild, as well as in the most manicured ornamental garden. With long, flat electric-green leaves, and bold – almost metallic – highly textured seed heads, this plant is the essence of vibrant. Growing up to about two feet in height, with a clumping growth habit, daggerleaf rush is a widespread wetland and damp ground plant, occurring across the West -- from the Pacific Coast to the Rocky Mountains, and from Alaska south to Mexico. Most rushes, especially this one, are under-valued, yet excellent, wildlife plants. In the case of daggerleaf rush, the seeds are a choice waterfowl and songbird food, while meadow voles and muskrats browse on roots and basal foliage. Note that all rushes – including this species -- are also under-recognized and under-valued for their insect value. While little is known about the various insect associates of rushes (and many of the observed insect associates have not been identified to species level), we do know that dozens of small moth species have been observed feeding on the foliage or seeds. Additionally, rushes are extensively used by various midges, psyllids, plant hoppers, thrips, and grasshoppers. Taken together the sheer volume of these insect associates make rushes extremely valuable to insectivorous birds. (Note the abundance of swallows flying acrobatically above wetlands and wet meadows where these plants grow!) Daggerleaf rush strongly prefers wet edges and damp meadows (as opposed to standing water). This is a great rain garden and bioswale plant. Try it around backyard wildlife ponds, in small ornamental planter-water gardens, in stormwater retention ponds, and in wetland restoration.This plant looks magical when growing among other wet meadow species such as camas, self heal, blue eyed and golden eyed grass, Pacific snakeroot, western buttercup, and tufted hairgrass. Approximately 3000+ extremely tiny seeds (0.3 grams).
