Juncus sandwithii

Alpine Joint-leaf Rush

Tufted perennial rush spreading from underground stems to form extensive swards. Erect or straggling leafy stems up to 14cm high, new shoots rising from nodes and creeping stems.

Additional information

FamilyJuncaceae
StoreyLower storey
Sizeto 20 cm high
Plant groupingGrasses, Rushes & Sedges
LeavesHollow leaves, rounded in cross-section, with inconspicuous partitions across the blade, 0.3-1 mm wide, arising from both flowering and creeping stems, longer than flowering stems.
Flower colourPale, tinged red
Flowering timeNovember to March
Flowers1-5 clusters of up to 10 flowers to 10 mm wide; 6 stamens. Main bract longer than or equal to flowerhead. Capsules pale golden- brown, angled, tapering gradually to a point; longer than flowers.
Bird attractingSeeds
Butterfly attractingNo
Frog habitatYes
Growing conditionsMoist to wet soils in sub-alpine peaty bogs and drainage lines. Full sun, semi shade. Frost and snow tolerant.
Garden useA useful small habitat plant for cool, moist areas.
Commercially availableNever
Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites and not recently collected from some sites. More common in the eastern highlands.