Family: Juncaceae
Author: Wikstr.
Bibliography: Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Handl. 1824(2): 1 (1824)
Year: 1824
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Juncus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Kuril Is. to N. & C. Japan, Alaska to N. & C. Mexico
Description
The Sword-leaf rush, scientifically known as Juncus ensifolius, is a remarkable plant belonging to the Juncaceae family. It was first described by Wikstr. in the 1824 publication of the Kongl. Vetensk. Acad. Handl.
This perennial rush showcases distinctive sword-like leaves, making it easily recognizable and lending it its common name. It thrives across a diverse geographical range, extending from the Kuril Islands across northern and central Japan, right through to Alaska, and reaching as far south as northern and central Mexico. Its ability to adapt to various climates and habitats, from the cold northern territories to warmer southern areas, demonstrates its resilience and ecological versatility.
Ideal for bog gardens and wetland restoration projects, J. ensifolius plays a critical role in native habitat preservation. The plant aids in soil stabilization and provides essential cover and foraging opportunities for wildlife. Its presence in wetland ecosystems also contributes to maintaining water quality by filtering pollutants and excess nutrients.
In landscape design, the Sword-leaf rush offers aesthetic appeal with its lush, upright foliage and overall sense of structural elegance. It is also appreciated for its low maintenance requirements and hardiness, making it a popular choice among gardeners and conservationists alike.
Overall, Juncus ensifolius is not only significant for its unique botanical characteristics but also for its ecological importance across the regions it inhabits.
Common Names
Deu: schwertbinse, schwertblatt-simse, schwertblättrige binse
Dan: sværd-siv
Eng: sword-leaf rush, sword-leaved rush, swordleaf rush, three-stamened rush, dagger rush, dagger-leaved rush, equitant-leaved rush
Nld: zwaardrus
Swe: miekkavihvilä, svärdtåg
Fin: miekkavihvilä
Nno: sverdsiv
Nob: sverdsiv
Fra: jonc à épées
En: Sword-leaf rush, Swordleaf rush, Sword-leaved rush, Three-stamened rush, Dagger rush, Dagger-leaved rush, Equitant-leaved rush
Da: Sværd-siv
Nl: Zwaardrus
Fi: Miekkavihvilä
Fr: Jonc à épées
De: Schwertbinse, Schwertblatt-Simse, Schwertblättrige Binse
Nb: Sverdsiv
Nn: Sverdsiv
Sv: Svärdtåg, Miekkavihvilä
Synonyms
- Juncus oligocephalus (Satake & Ohwi)
- Juncus novikovii (A.P.Khokhr.)
- Juncus xiphioides var. triandrus (Engelm.)
- Juncus xiphioides var. macranthus (Engelm.)
- Juncus ensifolius var. major (E.Mey.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Aleutian Is. (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- California (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Japan (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Montana (native)
- Nevada (native)
- Oregon (native)
- Saskatchewan (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Utah (native)
- Washington (native)
- Wyoming (native)
- Austria (introduced)
- Belgium (introduced)
- Finland (introduced)
- Germany (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- Hawaii (introduced)
- Netherlands (introduced)
- New York (introduced)
- New Zealand North (introduced)
- New Zealand South (introduced)
- Ontario (introduced)
- Québec (introduced)
- Sweden (introduced)
- Transcaucasus (introduced)
- Vermont (introduced)
- Wisconsin (introduced)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken Dec 14, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 22, 2022 by Guido Bauersachs (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 15, 2020 by Emm Lamb (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2022 by marijn blaauw (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 4, 2022 by valeria vigna (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 3, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 14, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 3, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)
Habit
Taken Dec 23, 2015 by EOL − Adrienne Simmons (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Dec 14, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 14, 2004 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 3, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Taken Dec 23, 2015 by EOL − Adrienne Simmons (cc-by-nc-sa)
Leaf
Taken Sep 23, 2021 by Berno Sara (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Christine Yee (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 9, 2020 by Leon Braun (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 15, 2019 by Kvrius Hodd (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 5, 2022 by marijn blaauw (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Nov 27, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 3, 2015 by EOL − Steve Matson (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2701612)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:442931-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juncus ensifolius Wikstr.)
Specifications
Growth form>: Rhizomatous
Growth habit>: Graminoid
Growth rate>: Moderate
Growth
Ph maximum: 8.0
Ph minimum: 6.0