Juncus tenuis is a cosmopolitan rush species that has a broad, almost worldwide presence; for example, in North America it occurs in all fifty states of the USA and all Canadian provinces save for Nunavit and Yukon. Also known by the common name of Path rush, it is present along many man-made as well as animal runway paths, since the sticky seeds are often dispersed by clinging to mammals.

This perennial herb grows in tufts that reach up to 40 centimeters in height. Flowers present in the form of terminal panicles. The flowering season is typically June and July.

In general Path rush appears to prefer disturbed habitats, which may explain its broad distribution; Besides path verges, it is found in open woodlands, gravelly seeps, pastures, abandoned fields and other barren waste areas. It is also tolerant of a wide range of soil types, and is much more adapted to compacted soils than most plants.