Baltic Rush vs Early Blue Violet - TreeTime.ca

Baltic Rush vs Early Blue Violet

Juncus balticus

Viola adunca

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Baltic Rush
Early Blue Violet

Baltic Rush is a widespread native perennial rush that forms dense clumps of upright, cylindrical stems. Well adapted to saturated soils, it is common in wetlands, streambanks, and riparian zones, and is tolerant of both fresh and saline conditions. Hardy and low-maintenance, Baltic Rush contributes to soil stabilization and enhances wetland habitats.
It offers cover for small animals, nesting habitat for birds, and limited forage for livestock when young and tender. Its dense growth and rhizome networks add structural diversity that supports wetland ecosystems, making it well-suited for riparian planting, shoreline stabilization, wetland restoration, and reclamation projects.

Early Blue Violet is a low-growing native perennial wildflower valued for its striking early-spring blooms. The flowers range in color from vibrant blue to deep violet, often marked with pale highlights and fine white hairs. They provide an important early nectar source for pollinators and serve as a host plant for several fritillary butterfly species.

It spreads by both seed and rhizomes, gradually forming small colonies. Its dark green, heart-shaped leaves add ornamental appeal, and the plant shows some resistance to deer browsing. Early Blue Violet is well-suited to naturalization projects and pollinator-friendly gardens, and has also been used in coastal butterfly habitat restoration in the Pacific Northwest.

Baltic Rush Quick Facts

Early Blue Violet Quick Facts

Zone: 2a
Zone: 2a
Height: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Height: 0.1 m (0.3 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 0.2 m (0.5 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: fast
Life span: short
Life span: short
Growth form: colony-forming, sometimes in lines
Growth form: low growing, clump-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - low
Spreading: seeds - medium, rhizomes - medium
Maintenance: medium


Toxicity: rhizomes, fruit, seed poisonous to humans
Flowers: purple to blue-violet
Bloom time: mid spring to early summer
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, YT, NT, NU, PE
Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, QC, NS, NB, YT, NT
Other Names: wire rush, wiregrass
Other Names: dog violet, hookedspur violet, sand violet, western blue violet