Rushes
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.
