Rushes - Rushes In Ecosystems

The usual habitat of rushes is wetlands of many types, including marshes, fens, wet meadows, and the shallow-water edges of streams, ponds, and lakes. Rushes can be quite abundant and productive in some of these habitats, but they rarely dominate the vegetation over an extensive area.

Rushes are an important component of the habitat of many species of animals, especially in wetlands. For example, some of the best habitats for waterfowl will have an abundant component of rushes. Some species of birds eat the seeds of rushes, while other species graze on the leaves and shoots.