Juncus polycephalus

Similar to J. brachycarpus, which also has round heads and septate leaves, but differs in that its capsule tapers gradually and are equal to the perianth in length (the capsules of J. brachycarpus taper abruptly at their tip and is only 1/2 to 2/3 as long as the surrounding perianth). Its heads are usually greater than 10 mm in diameter while those of J. brachycarpus are usually smaller than 10 mm. Juncus validus is generally smaller than J. polycephalus. J. polycephalus has purplish sheathes. Juncus scirpoides, sometimes confused with J. polycephalus, has 1-1.5 mm thick culms near the middle, whitish rhizomes, and round leaves scattered along the culm, while J. polycephalus has 2-4 mm thick culms near the middle, and flattened leaves both in the base and along the culm. Purple flat base, round septate leaves, 2-3' tall.

The seeds of most species of Juncus may be planted fresh or after cold/moist stratification, and require light for germination (Steffen 1997). Seeds average approximately 24,000,000/lb.

Found infrequently in southwest and southeast Louisiana and Jasper and Tyler counties of extreme southeast Texas. Ranges through the coastal states from North Carolina to Texas.

Sandy pond and ditch margins, coastal regions.