Family:
Juncaceae
Juncus spp.
Rushes
Other Names:
Regional Subspecies:
Occurrence:
Regional:
Widespread and common throughout region.
Habitat & Site Selection:
In or near water in seasonally wet places. Common on clays and clay loams.
Habit:
Annual or perennial erect or spreading tussocky herbs.
Seed Collection:
Early Dec to early Mar, when seedheads fully formed and brown. Monitor closely as mature seeds shed in 3-14 days. Dry in paper bag and sieve to extract.
Propagation:
From seed, using the Bog method. Stand seed tray in water to keep moist. Fresh seed usually germinates readily. Also from division of rhizomes in clumps 5-10 cm diameter or larger. Keep moist.
VALUES:
Land Protection:
Useful for soil erosion control along watercourses and around dams due to soil-binding fibrous roots.
Wildlife:
Excellent habitat for small birds, frogs, fish and crustaceans. Seed probably eaten by finches, pigeons and parrots.
Ornamental:
Ornamental potential for wet places in the garden.