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.