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Shoreline Plants |
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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 spp.), sedges (Carex
spp.), 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 (