Download Common Rush

Common Rush
Juncus effusus L.
This common native evergreen perennial, also
called Soft Rush, can become very invasive
in marshs, meadows, and swamps. Three
different varieties exist in the Pacific
Northwest, var. gracilis, var, compactus and
var. pacificus.
Plant Characteristics
VEGETATIVE CHARACTERISTICS
Culms and leaves: A common perennial with
lance-like basal sheaths that are 15 cm (6 in.)
and encloses the base of the flowering stems,
reaching a total of 20-100 cm (7.9-39.3 in.)
tall. Stems are round, stout and soft.
Inflorescence: Diffuse to tight cluster, 3-15
cm (1-6 in.) long, appearing lateral with narrow
greenish-brown tepals exposing a flat topped,
light brown capsule. An involurcal bract
surpasses the inflorescence, extending up to
20 cm (7.9 in.).
Roots: Composed of strong, stout rhizomes
(1, 2). One study indicated the extensive root
systems productivity is 9.8 kg (Ash free dry
matter/m2yr) (3).
GENERAL HABITAT
CONSIDERATIONS
Soil Types and Conditions: Common in
freshwater to saltwater, wetland pastures,
montane meadows, invasive in swamps,
marshes, and wet meadows. Located in
shallow sandy soils that flood in winter or
spring. Tolerates a soil pH range of 5.0-7.5.
(1,5)
Moisture/temperature requirements:
Typical at 0-2500m (0-8202ft). Often found
in temperate areas of the Northern Hemisphere.
Management Considerations
UTILIZATION
Forage and Palatability: Not used as forage
for livestock in pasture meadows, but cattle
will graze in late summer if all other palatable
forage is gone. High carbon amounts in the
tissues decrease palatibility. (1)
Wildlife Use: Muskrats feed on rootstocks
and various wetland birds find shelter among
the stems (1).
PLANTING
Growth Season and Seedling Establishment: Blooms in June
through August with fruit production during summer and fall.
Senescense can take up to 260 days, dependant on temperature.
Growth is increased if planted near running water (6). Seedlings are
sensitive to shading (3).
Propagation: Reproduces from rhizomes or seeds. Water disperses
the heavy seed, allowing for off-site establishment (3). When
propagating J. effusus var. pacificus, use fresh seeds and place in a
greenhouse for at least two months then move into a shade house
(8).
DISTURBANCE
Response to Competition: The high total biomass productivity can
strongly suggest a potential for competitive dominace. Roots possibily
employ chemicals that possess alleopathic properties. (3)
Response to Grazing: Strong stout rhizomes probably withstand
some levels of grazing. Its high carbon amounts also discourage
cattle from grazing common sedge.
Response to Fire: After a distrubance, like fire, common sedge can
resprout.
Response to Drought: Droughts help rhizomatous species reach for
water, securing banks. Prolonged drought probably will affect vigor.
Sources:
1. Cook, Sarah. 1997. A Field Guide to the Common Wetland
Plants of Western Washington and Northwestern Oregon. Seattle:
Seattle Audubon Society. 417p.
2. Cronquist, A., et al. Intermountain Flora: Vascular Plants
of the Intermountain West, U.S.A. Vol6. New York: Columbia
University Press.
3. Ervin, Gary and Robert G. Wetzel. 2000. Alleochemical
autoxity in the emergent wetland macrophytes Juncus effusus
(Juncaeae). Am. Journal of Botany. 87(6):853-860.
3. Flora of North America Editorial Committee, eds. 1993+.
Flora of North America North of Mexico. 7+ vols. New York and
Oxford. [www.efloras.org]
4. Halda-Alija, Lidija. 2003. Identification of indole-3-acetic
acid producnf freshwater wetland rhizosphere bacteria associated
with Juncus effusus L.. Can. J. Microbio. 49:781-787.
5. Kuehn, Kevin and Keller Suberkropp. 1998. Decomposition
of Standing Liter of the freshwater emergent macrophyte Juncus
effusus. Freshwater Biology 40(4): 717-727.
6. USDA, NRCS. 2004. The PLANTS Database, Version
3.5 . , Baton Rouge, LA 70874-4490 USA.
7. Young, Betty. 2001. Propagation protocol for production
of container Juncus effusus L. var. pacificus Fern. & Weig. plants
(Leach Tube); Golden Gate National Parks, San Francisco, California.
In: Native Plant Network. URL: http://www.nativeplantnetwork.org
(Accessed 15 February 2005). Moscow (ID): University of Idaho,
College of Natural Resources, Forest Research Nursery.
Prepared by OSU Rangeland Ecology and Management,
February 2005.