Juncus dichotomus, commonly known as Forked Rush, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to wetlands, marshes, and along the edges of ponds and streams in the Americas. It has been introduced to other temperate regions. Forked Rush typically grows to a height of 12-24 inches (30-60 cm) and is characterized by its grass-like appearance with flat or slightly rounded stems. The flowers are small, greenish or brownish, and clustered at the top of the stems, blooming in spring and summer. The flowers are not particularly showy, but the plant is easily identified by its unique forked inflorescence structure.

Forked Rush is valued for its ability to thrive in very moist areas, making it suitable for water gardens, riparian plantings, and as a soil stabilizer on riverbanks and in roadside ditches. It prefers full sun to part shade and requires consistently wet soil conditions. While it is not commonly used for ornamental purposes, its presence can be beneficial for erosion control and as habitat for wildlife. Gardeners should be aware that Juncus dichotomus can spread aggressively in suitable conditions and may become invasive, particularly in Europe where it is reported as such. Care should be taken to manage its growth and prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0