Juncus effusus

Juncus effusus is similar to J. roemerianus in that its bract continues past the inflorescence making the inflorescence appear to be several inches below the top of the culm. J. roemerianus has sharp culm tips while those of J. effusus are soft. Juncus roemerianus is darker green and more salt tolerant than Juncus effusus. Very soft stems. Leafless rush. Without leaves – flowers emerging from side of stem down from tip, round stem. Light colored, tips soft.

Cuttings taken from the rhizome and including at lease one culm can be taken any time of year. Seeds germinate best when in contact with water (Lazenby 1955). Light is necessary for germination (Guppy 1897, Steffen 1997). The seeds of most species of Juncus may be planted fresh or after cold/moist stratification (Steffen 1997).

Both vegetative and seed reproduction occur in wild populations. Juncus effusus spreads by rhizomes and forms dense mats with vegetative reproduction predominate in the center and seed reproduction occurring near the edges (Richards and Clapham 1941). See Richards and Clapham for a review of the biology and ecology of J. effusus. Found in moist sandy soils or shallow fresh water throughout Louisiana and east and southeast Texas. It is usually locally abundant and is widely distributed in temperate areas of the world. Correll and Johnston (1979) report those plants found in eastern North America to be var. solutus.

Moist soil, edges of swamps and ponds, low pastures, wet prairies, ditches.