431B-3-Juncus-planifolius-fl1-Russell-Best.jpg

Juncus planifolius

Broad-leaf Rush

Tufted annual or shortly-lived perennial rush. Erect bright green leafless stems, longer than the leaves.

Additional information

  • FamilyJuncaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Size2-50 cm x 10-30 cm
  • Plant groupingAquatic & Semi aquatic
  • LeavesLeaves basal, flat to slightly channelled to 40 cm x 1-11 mm, arching, tip pointed; sheaths reddish and wider than leaves.
  • Flower colourBrown
  • Flowering timeSeptember to February.
  • FlowersErect branched flowerhead with 1-50 terminal clusters of up to 50 flowers; 3 stamens. Main bract leaf like, shorter than flowerhead. Capsules reddish-brown, as long as flowers.
  • Bird attractingSeeds
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatYes
  • Growing conditionsMoist to wet soils and shallow water in ditches, pasture, swamps and watercourses. Full sun, semi shade.
  • Garden useAn interesting little rush for moist areas and edges of water features..
  • Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Related speciesAppears similar to Luzula species, or Woodrushes, but can be distinguished easily by the lack of hairs on the margins of leaves.
Photographer/s: 1, 2, 4 Marilyn Bull ©; 3 Russell Best, NatureShare ©

Plant Communities

  • 05 Mountain Ash Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 30)
  • 06 Mountain Ash Wet Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 30)
  • 30 Swamp Gum Swampy Riparian Woodland (EVC 83)
  • 38 Yellow Box Valley Grassy Forest – Middle Yarra (EVC 47)
  • 12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)
  • 09 Myrtle Beech Cool Temperate rainforest (EVC31)
  • 11 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 18)
  • 22 Silver-leaf Stringybark Heathy Woodland (EVC 48)
  • Page 1 of 1