Family: Juncaceae
Author: Willd.
Bibliography: Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 2: 206 (1799)
Year: 1799
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Juncus
Vegetable: False
Observations: Subarctic & Subalpine Northern Hemisphere
Description
Arctic rush, botanically recognized as Juncus arcticus, is a resilient species that thrives in some of the most extreme environments on Earth. Described by the noted botanist Willdenow in his fourth edition of “Species Plantarum” in 1799, this plant occupies a notable place in the family Juncaceae.
Primarily found throughout the subarctic and subalpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere, Arctic rush is well-adapted to cold and often harsh climates. These regions include northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia, where the weather conditions are typically challenging for plant life.
Juncus arcticus is a perennial that often grows in wet habitats such as marshes, bogs, and the edges of streams and lakes. Its ability to withstand waterlogged soils as well as freezing temperatures makes it a critical component of its native ecosystems. The plant’s slender, grass-like stems and clustered flower heads are its distinguishing features, contributing to its subtle yet essential presence in the landscape.
As a member of the Juncaceae family, Arctic rush plays a vital role in its natural environment. It provides habitat and food for various types of wildlife and helps in stabilizing soil and preventing erosion, which is particularly crucial in its often delicate native habitats.
In summary, Arctic rush is more than just a plant surviving in cold regions; it is a testament to nature’s adaptability and resilience, fulfilling significant ecological functions within its environments.
Common Names
Eng: arctic rush
Nob: finnmarkssiv
Nno: finnmarkssiv
Swe: fjälltåg, ruijanvihvilä
Fin: ruijanvihvilä
Fra: jonc arctique
Sme: polárjiekta
Nld: noordse rus
En: Arctic rush
Ar: أسل قطبي شمالي
Ca: Jonc àrctic
Zh: 疏花灯心草
Nl: Noordse rus
Fi: Ruijanvihvilä
Fr: Jonc arctique
De: Arktische Binse
Is: Hrossanál
It: Giunco artico
Se: Polárjiekta
Nb: Finnmarkssiv
Nn: Finnmarkssiv
Sv: Fjälltåg, Ruijanvihvilä
Synonyms
- Juncus arcticus subsp. euarcticus (Hyl.)
Distribution
- Alaska (native)
- Alberta (native)
- Altay (native)
- Austria (native)
- British Columbia (native)
- Buryatiya (native)
- Finland (native)
- France (native)
- Greenland (native)
- Iceland (native)
- Irkutsk (native)
- Italy (native)
- Kamchatka (native)
- Khabarovsk (native)
- Krasnoyarsk (native)
- Kuril Is. (native)
- Labrador (native)
- Magadan (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Mongolia (native)
- North European Russi (native)
- Northwest Territorie (native)
- Norway (native)
- Nunavut (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Québec (native)
- Sakhalin (native)
- Spain (native)
- Svalbard (native)
- Sweden (native)
- Switzerland (native)
- Tuva (native)
- West Siberia (native)
- Yakutskiya (native)
- Yukon (native)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Aug 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Aug 19, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 7, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jul 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Aug 19, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 26, 2010 by EOL − Michael Wunderli (cc-by)
Taken Jul 7, 1995 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jun 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 16, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jul 28, 2022 by margarida vila (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jul 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jul 15, 1997 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:442684-1)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2701151)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juncus arcticus Willd.)
Specifications
Growth habit: Graminoid
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.5
Ph minimum: 7.0
Light: 8
Atmospheric humidity: 8
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]
Soil nutriments: 2