In North America, the common name soft rush also refers to Juncus interior.

A number of invertebrates feed on soft rush, including the rufous minor moth.

[citation needed] In Japan, this rush is called igusa (藺草) and is grown to be woven into the covering of tatami mats (the filling is rice straw, extruded styrofoam, chip board, or some combination).

In Europe, this rush was once used to make rushlights (by soaking the pith in grease), a cheap alternative to candles.

[14] Juncus effusus can become a naturalized or invasive species, undesirable in rangelands for its unpalatability to livestock.

Suggested methods of controlling rushes include: ploughing; high applications of inorganic fertilizer (can pollute watersheds); and topping to prevent seed formation.