Scientific name: Juncus articulatus L.
Common name: Jointed Rush
Description
Habit: Perennial. Rhizomatous, very variable in habit; floating, erect or ascending, to 80cm high but often much less.
Leaves: Leaves various, grass-like to rush-like, glabrous, with 0-2 basal sheaths and 3-6 cauline leaves, linear and entire, similar to the stems, except a few of the lowest which are reduced to membranous sheaths. Cauline leaves somewhat flattened, hollow and with internal partitions, but with a less obviously jointed appearance.
Flowers: Flowers hermaphrodite, regular, inflorescence usually wide, with (1-)5-20(-80) heads, diffuse, with suberect to erecto-patent branchlets; perianth inconspicuous, membranous, whitish or brownish, consisting of 6 free segments in two whorls of 3; ovary 1-3-celled, with many ovules, style 0 or 1, stigmas 3, linear; stamens 6, rarely 3, 1/2-3/4 as long as the perianth; anthers 0.7-1mm, equalling or longer than the filaments.
Fruits: A capsule with 3 or numerous seeds, glossy, black and suddenly narrowed to a short point, 2.5-3.5(-4)mm, usually exceeding the perianth, three-angled to ovoid or rarely ellipsoid, acute or rarely obtuse; seeds 0.5-0.6mm, ovoid, reticulate.
Habitat: Marshes, wet fields, lake-shores and roadsides.
Distribution: Abundant.
Native status: Native
Of conservation interest: No