Picture a scene from centuries past: an older woman sits amidst a sea of green, her lap overflowing with rushes.
She strips away the outer layers with practised movements, revealing the soft, white pith within.
This is Juncus effusus, the common or soft rush—a plant rooted in land heritage and once central to daily life.
For generations, the people of Britain and Ireland have turned to this plant for light and warmth, crafting rush lights to illuminate their homes and line their floors. The soft rush has a rich history of practical uses.
From covering church floors during solemn occasions to playing a role in lively rush-bearing ceremonies, Juncus effusus has a forgotten history that few today know.
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