Juncus brachycarpus

whiteroot rush
Family

Juncaceae

Leaf Arrangement

alternate, basal (rosulate)

Leaf Margin

entire

Leaf Type

simple

Leaf Shape

linear

Growth Form

graminoid

Flower Color

inconspicuous

Flower Month

April - September

Height (meters)

0.2 - 0.9

Milky Sap

No

Armed/Unarmed

Unarmed

Origin

native

Lifespan

perennial

Growing Season

Cool season


Wetland Class

FACW

Prairie Coefficient of Conservatism

3

Field Characters

Similar to J. validus and J. polycephalus, which also have round heads and septate leaves, but differs from those species in that its capsules taper abruptly at their tips and it is only 1/2 to 2/3 as long as the surrounding perianth (the capsules of J. validus and J. polycephalus taper gradually and are equal to the perianth in length) . Its heads are also usually smaller than 10 mm in diameter while those of J. polycephalus and J. validus are 10 mm or greater in diameter. Juncus brachycarpus is found primarily in the spring while the other two flower primarily in the summer and fall. Flowers in round heads ¼ inch across. Round septate leaves.

Cultural Information

The seeds of most species of Juncus may be planted fresh or after cold/moist stratification, and require light for germination (Steffen 1997).

Natural History

Found frequently in moist loamy soils throughout Louisiana and east and southeast Texas.

Habitat

Wet, sandy soil, stream margins, wet prairies and meadows, open woods, ditches.