Common rush is a cool-season, erect, dense clumping rush. It is the most widespread rush in the world, native to North America, Europe, and Asia. The stems are smooth, round, and leafless. The flower clusters are branched and appear at the beginning of summer on the sides of stems and upper portion of plants. Muskrats in particular are known to browse on root stalks. Common rush is found in meadows, swamps, and marshes.