Juncus sp NT0007 10Aug2018 PW

The outer tepals are reflexed and the nut comes to a fine point. There is no clear paler margin to the tepals.

Juncus acutiflorus NS6662 5August2018

Juncus acutiflorus NS6662 5August2018 PW

The tufted growth and curved stem is clear here.

Juncus articulatus NS6765 23Jul2017 PW

The curved stem and slightly flattened leaves are shown here.

Juncus articulatus NS9426 10Jun2018 MP

Juncus articulatus NS7747 8Jul2020 MP

In flower, the flowers are more substantial and not the darker colour they will become. Note that the stems tend to more of an acute angle.

Juncus articulatus NS9335 15Jul2018 PW

This shows the paler band and straight-tipped tepals.

Juncus articulatus NS6662 5August2018 PW

The narrowing of the nutlet to a beak is clearly seen here.

Juncus articulatus NS6662 5August2018 PW

Juncus effusus NS5857 23Apr2017 PW

Juncus effusus NS7151 17Aug2017 PW

Juncus effusus NS5857 23Apr2017 PW

A typical clump of J. effusus.

Juncus effusus NT0121 20Aug2017 PW

Juncus conglomeratus NS7155 20Jun2011 MP

This red colouration on the bud is distinctive.

Juncus conglomeratus NT0332 02 June 2019 PW

Has thin, wiry stems which are often slightly paler green than other common tall rushes.

Juncus inflexus NS6765 23Jul2017 PW

Juncus inflexus NS6765 23Jul2017 PW

It likes to clump and is more rigid.

Juncus inflexus NS6765 23Jul2017 PW

The flowers are on stalks of unequal length.

Juncus inflexus NS6765 23Jul2017 PW

Juncus bufonius NS7948 1Aug2020 MP

Juncus bufonius NS6638 26Aug2017 PW

Juncus squarrosus NS9417 16Jun16 PW

Juncus squarrosus NS7042 16Apr2012 MJP

The base of the leaves looks tough, like you couldn’t hammer a tent-peg in there.

Juncus squarrosus NS9208 6Aug2020 MP

Juncus tenuis NS 9637 16Sep17 PW

Juncus tenuis NS7066 07Jul2018 PW

Isolepis setacea NS5971 13October2019 PW

Isolepis setacea NS7163 14Aug2019 PW

Juncus species - Rush family

Juncs acutiflorus - Sharp Rush and J. articulatus - Jointed Rush are similar rushes with a few essential differences:

J. acutiflorus has a straight stem round leaves. Lowest bract beyond the inflorescence. Inflorescence is red-brown and the lower branches are 90º to the stem. Tepals are short-pointed and the outer ones arch outwards. all have very narrow pale margins. Fruit is tapered to a sharp point.

J. articulatus is more prostrate and stem arches upwards from tufted base. Cross partitions in the latterly flattened leaves. Longer and more open inflorescences with longer lower branches leaving at an acute angle to the stem. Tepals not so sharply pointed and the outer ones do not arch out. The colourless margins are more pronounced and broader. Capsule is shiny and black and suddenly narrowed to clear beak.

J. effusus - Soft Rush

There are three tall rushes on rough meadows and this is the commonest especially on acid ground.

The stem is slightly oval in shape and soft. It is smooth with no or very faint ridges ridges. These can be felt with the fingernail. The pith is uninterrupted.

The flower is a loose cluster but can be quite tight.

The fruit is normally shorter than the tepals, egg-shaped and indented at the top.

J. conglomeratus - Compact Rush

J. inflexus - Hard Rush

There are three tall rushes on rough meadows and this is the least frequent.

The stem is thinner and stiffer than the other two rushes. It has clear ridges which can be felt with the fingernail and an interrupted pith which can be felt if the stem is compressed as the finger moves up the stem.

The flower is a loose cluster with unequal length stalks. The fruit is egg-shaped and minutely pointed.

It dislikes acid ground and so is often found on the edge of disused industrial sites where concrete or gravel increase the pH.

Note: All three rushes J. effusus, conglomeratus and inflexus have bracts above the flower which appear to be a continuation of the stem, but may not share the characteristics. So always check the stem below the flower.

Juncus bufonius - Toad Rush

Juncus squarrosus - Heath Rush

Isolepis setacea - Bristle Club-rush