Juncus effusus L.
common rush
Juncaceae (Rush family)
Introduction to Vascular Plants
common rush
Juncaceae (Rush family)
Introduction to Vascular Plants
SUBTAXA PRESENT IN BC
Species Information
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.
USDA Species Characteristics
Flower Colour:
Brown
Blooming Period:
Summer
Fruit/Seed characteristics:
Colour: Yellow
Present from Summer to Fall
Source: The USDA
Ecology
Ecological Framework for Juncus effusus
The table below shows the species-specific information calculated from
original data (BEC database) provided by the BC Ministry of Forests and Range.
(Updated August, 2013)
The table below shows the species-specific information calculated from
original data (BEC database) provided by the BC Ministry of Forests and Range.
(Updated August, 2013)
| Site Information |
Value / Class |
||
|
Avg |
Min |
Max |
|
| Elevation
(metres) |
122 | 0 | 1805 |
| Slope
Gradient (%) |
6 | 0 | 120 |
|
Aspect (degrees) |
189 | 0 | 360 |
| Soil
Moisture Regime (SMR) [0 - very xeric; 4 - mesic; 8 - hydric] |
5 | 1 | 8 |
| Modal
Nutrient Regime
Class |
D | ||
| #
of field plots species was recorded in: |
103 | ||
| Modal
BEC Zone Class |
CWH | ||
|
All BEC Zones (# of stations/zone) species was recorded in |
CDF(7), CWH(79), ESSF(1), ICH(2), SBS(2) | ||
|
Source:
Klinkenberg 2013
|
|||
Habitat and 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.Status Information
| Scientific Name | Origin Status | Provincial Status | BC List (Red Blue List) | COSEWIC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Juncus effusus ssp. effusus | Exotic | SNA (2006) | Exotic | Not Listed |
| Juncus effusus ssp. pacificus | Native | S5 (2015) | Yellow | Not Listed |
| Juncus effusus ssp. solutus | Exotic | SNA (2007) | Exotic | Not Listed |
BC Ministry of Environment: BC Species and Ecosystems Explorer.
Synonyms
Synonyms and Alternate Names:
Juncus effusus var. subconglomeratus