Juncus scirpoides
Needlepod Rush
NATIVE
Click image to enlarge
Leaves have internal divisions (septate leaves)
Credit: Kristie Gianopulos. Used with permission.
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, with terminal inflorescence of ball-shaped seedheads. Upright, hollow, smooth, needle-like stems. Grows to about 0.6 m.
Leaves: Septate leaves (have internal divisions) that are cylindrical in cross-section (not flattened). Uppermost leaf longer/equal to sheath length.
Flowers/Fruit: Inflorescence is panicle of flowers arranged in balls on stalks. Flowers and fruits June to October.
Habit and Range: Pocosin edges, wet savannas, marshes, mainly in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont. Rare in the Mountains.
Typical Max Plant Height (m):
0.6
Leaf Arrangement:
Basal
Leaf Division:
Simple
Leaf Margin:
Entire
Leaf Shape:
Linear
Inflorescence Color:
Green,
Brown,
Yellow
Fruit Color:
Green,
Brown
Lifespan:
Perennial
Group:
Monocot
Family:
Juncaceae / Rush
Ecoregions Found In:
Piedmont,
Coastal Plain
