Common rush boasts a broad native distribution, thriving across various continents, including Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. As a cultivated plant, common rush has been intentionally established in numerous regions beyond its natural range, often prized for its robustness. Although generally not overwhelming, common rush is sometimes thought to be mildly invasive in certain areas like Oceania and Eastern Europe, where it may have an impact on local ecosystems.

Common rush originates from East Asia. This plant is often classed as a weed due to its rapid reproduction abilities and aggressive spreading nature. It produces numerous seeds and has the potential, under the right conditions, to quickly dominate a garden. Where it's particularly harmful is where it can stifle other plants, blocking them from getting enough light, space, or nutrients to grow healthily. If you have common rush in your garden, you may notice clusters of stiff, grass-like leaves, about 1-3 feet tall. The main way common rush spreads is via seed dispersal. When the plant matures, it produces brown seed heads that are easily transported by wind or water, helping the plant to spread around your garden and beyond.

The best season and time to remove or restrict common rush are during late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. It’s important to take action before the plant sets seeds to prevent further spreading.