FIELD ID CHARACTERISTICS:
Identification of Juncus to species requires examination of mature seeds and fruits. All Juncus have 6 sepal-like structures surrounding each fruit.
Description: Grass-like rush, forming dense clumps to 1.2 m tall. Upright, hollow, smooth, needle-like stems.
Leaves: Septate leaves (have internal divisions). Flowering stalks cylindrical and smooth.
Flowers/Fruit: Stiff, globular seedheads on an open, terminal inflorescence. Inflorescence is panicle of numerous small flowers on stalks. Flowers and fruits May to August.
Habit and Range: Forms large clumps. Wide variety of open, wet areas. Found statewide.
COMMON CONFUSIONS:
Seedhead of Juncus acuminatus (knotty-leaf rush) appears similar to that of J. biflorus (bog rush), but J. biflorus has non-septate leaves.
Click here to view Juncus biflorus.
