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| Species: | Juncus
spp. L., rush Juncus supiniformis Engelm, spreading rush |
| Family: | Juncaceae |
| Rushes are
grass-like plants frequently found in wet places including
shorelines of lakes, ponds, and streams. Only a few species, like
spreading rush (Juncus supiniformis) and bulbous rush (J.
bulbosus) grow into deeper water. Rushes usually have round green
stems, with clusters of brown, papery flowers appearing to come from
the top or side of the stem. Identification of rush species can be
difficult and often requires knowledge of the plant’s habitat and
details of the roots, flowers, and fruits. |
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Leaf: Round or flattened
leaves usually grow from the plant base with a sheath at the leaf base.
Spreading: to 30 cm long. Sometimes hair-like when
submersed, with crosswalls.
Stem: Usually round, (sometimes flattened) with pith-filled stems. Spreading rush: Commonly forms new plants at nodes. Flower: Minute, papery, greenish to brownish flowers each have 3 sepals and 3 petals (tepals). Occur in clusters at the stem tips, although on several species a stem-like bract causes the flowers to appear to emerge from the side of the stem. Fruit: Capsule containing many tiny seeds. Seeds often pointed at one or both ends. Spreading: capsules longer than tepals. Root: Fibrous, emerging at the plant base from partially or fully buried rhizomes. Propagation: Seeds, rhizomes. Importance of plant: Nesting material, food, and shelter for many insects, birds, and mammals. Historically, rushes were used in weavings, and pealed stems soaked in grease were used as candles. Rushes continue to be used for making mats and woven furniture in Asia. Distribution: Worldwide. Habitat: Moist to wet places, although some rush species will grow on dry sites. May be confused with: Spikerushes
(Eleocharis), sedges (Carex), and various grasses. Among these
plants, only rushes have
flowers with 3 sepals and 3 petals. Also, the stems of most sedges are Photographs: Juncus sp., Juncus supiniformis Line Drawings: Juncus effusus |
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triangular, whereas rushes are round. Spreading rush is easily confused
with bulbous rush (J. bulbosus), a non-native plant which has
smaller tepals. When not flowering, submersed spreading rush plants may
be confused with water bulrush (