These are the true rushes
with more than 20 wetland species in Florida (Wunderlin, 2003). They first may be noticed
as clumps of stems growing in crowded stands, 2-5 ft. tall. They grow in saline and freshwater wetlands
throughout Florida. Some species have no leaf blades, others have narrow blades. Some have
large spherical heads, others have clusters of spiky brown flowers. Rushes are widely distributed
throughout the U.S. and Canada (Kartesz, 1999).
Juncus species are true
rushes. Clump-forming and /or colonial; stems round, unbranched, bright
green to dark gray; leaf blades absent or narrow-flattened or cylindrical;
sheaths at stem bases open; inflorescences stalked, usually
open, with many branches and branchlets; spikelets on the branches have
small green, brown or reddish flowers; fruit a capsule.