Rush

Rush, tall, grasslike plant (of various genera) in the family Juncaceae, found in marshes, on lake edges, and in paths and ditches. The green stem of the rush bears small scales, which are the leaves, and near the tip is a tuft of brownish or greenish flowers. Rushes are used for floor mats, chair seats, and baskets. The stems, when peeled of their outer covering, are used as wicks.