Interior rush (Juncus interior, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 27: 516 (1900))

Family: Juncaceae

Author: Wiegand

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 27: 516 (1900)

Year: 1900

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Juncus

Vegetable: False

Observations: S. Canada to N. Mexico

Description

Interior rush, known scientifically as Juncus interior, is a perennial plant species belonging to the Juncaceae family. This resilient plant is primarily found in a wide range from Southern Canada stretching down to Northern Mexico, adapting to diverse environments across this extensive geographic region.

First described by Wiegand, Juncus interior was formally introduced to the scientific community through a publication in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club in 1900. The detailed classification appeared in the 27th volume of the bulletin, highlighting the botanical characteristics and distinct features of the interior rush.

Juncus interior thrives in moist, sometimes wet habitats, often found in meadows, marshes, stream banks, and other regions where water tables are high. It is recognized for its slender, erect stems that can provide a hardy backdrop to more vivid flora in its natural settings. Though subtle in appearance, the interior rush plays a crucial role in its ecosystems, offering soil stabilization along waterways and serving as a habitat for various wildlife species.

The plant’s adaptability and widespread presence across North America make it significant for ecological studies and conservation efforts. Its ability to withstand various environmental conditions underscores the importance of native species in maintaining the balance and health of natural landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: inland rush, interior rush
Fra: jonc de l’intérieur
En: Interior rush, Inland rush
Ar: أسل داخلي
Fr: Jonc de l’intérieur

Synonyms

• Juncus arizonicus (Wiegand)
• Juncus neomexicanus (Wiegand)
• Juncus arizonicus var. curtiflorus (Wiegand)
• Juncus interior var. arizonicus ((Wiegand) F.J.Herm.)
• Juncus monostichus (Bartlett)
• Juncus interior var. billingtonii (Farw.)
• Juncus interior var. uniflorus (Farw.)
• Juncus interior var. neomexicanus ((Wiegand) F.J.Herm.)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• Montana (native)
• Nebraska (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Dakota (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Dakota (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Utah (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Wyoming (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Kendra RaiderNature (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2020 by Kendra RaiderNature (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 12, 2021 by Norbert Pabsch (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2701860)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:132158-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juncus interior Wiegand)

Specifications

Growth form>: Bunch

Growth habit>: Graminoid

Growth rate>: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.0

Ph minimum: 5.7