E-Flora BC: Electronic Atlas of the Flora of British Columbia

Juncus effusus subsp. pacificus (Fern. & Wieg.) Piper & Beattie
Pacific soft rush
Juncaceae (Rush family)

Introduction to Vascular Plants
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Distribution of Juncus effusus subsp. pacificus
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Species Information

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General:
Perennial, strongly tufted herb in large, dense clusters from compact rhizomes; stems smooth or finely lined with 30 to 60 longitudinal ridges, 30-120 cm tall.
Leaves:
Reduced to short sheaths at the base of the stem.
Flowers:
Inflorescence with numerous flowers and branches, 3-12 cm long, appearing as if on the side of the stem; perianth segments green or light brown, 3-6 mm long, pointed, subequal; stamens 3; anthers about as long as the filaments; involucral bract 5-25 cm long, cylindrical, resembling a continuation of the stem, smooth or finely lined with 30 to 60 longitudinal ridges.
Fruits:
Capsules, egg-shaped, rounded on the tops, slightly shorter than the perianth segments; seeds ellipsoid, 0.5 mm long, lacking tail-like appendages.
Notes:
Variable species with several varieties recognized in our area

1. Perianth segments greenish with little or no brownish borders, stiff when dry...................... var. pacificus Fern. & Wieg.

1. Perianth segments deep brown with green midribs, soft when dry.

2. Uppermost sheaths closed, leathery, lustrous, and chestnut brown throughout........................ var. gracilis Hook.

2. Uppermost sheaths looser, membranaceous, dull greenish-brown above............................ var. brunneus Engelm.

Source: The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Habitat / Range

Moist to wet disturbed places, pastures, fields, ditches, clearings, forest margins, marshes and peat bogs in the lowland, steppe, and montane zones; common W of the Coast-Cascade Mountains; N to AK and S to MT, ID, AZ and CA; Eurasia.

Source: The Illustrated Flora of British Columbia

Climate

The climate type for this species, as reported in the: "British Columbia plant species codes and selected attributes. Version 6 Database" (Meidinger et al. 2008), is not evaluated, unknown or variable.

Taxonomic and Nomenclatural Links

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General References