Sea rush (Juncus maritimus, Encycl. 3: 264 (1789))

Family: Juncaceae

Author: Lam.

Bibliography: Encycl. 3: 264 (1789)

Year: 1789

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Juncus

Vegetable: False

Observations: Azores, Europe to C. Asia

Description

Sea Rush (Juncus maritimus)

Sea rush, scientifically known as Juncus maritimus, is a distinguished species belonging to the Juncaceae family. First described in 1789 in the third volume of the Encyclopedia by the botanist Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (often abbreviated as Lam.), this plant holds a significant place in the botanical world.

Native to a vast geographical range, Juncus maritimus can be found across the Azores, extending throughout Europe and reaching into Central Asia. This hardy species thrives in coastal and saltmarsh environments, where it plays a crucial role in stabilizing sediments and providing habitat for various wildlife.

Characterized by its dense tufts of grass-like, cylindrical stems, sea rush grows up to 1.5 meters tall. These stems, often dark green to brown in color, are topped with small flower clusters that blossom primarily during the summer months. The flowers of Juncus maritimus are relatively inconspicuous, usually bearing a brownish hue that blends well with its marshy surroundings.

Ecologically, sea rush significantly contributes to the health of coastal ecosystems. Its robust root system helps to bind soil, reducing erosion, and its presence aids in filtering pollutants from water. Moreover, sea rush meadows offer shelter and breeding grounds for a myriad of marine and bird species, thus enhancing local biodiversity.

Despite its understated appearance, sea rush is an essential plant for maintaining the balance and integrity of its native habitats. Its ability to withstand challenging environmental conditions makes it a resilient species, ensuring the continued health and sustainability of the ecosystems it inhabits.

Common Names

Spa: junco marino
Deu: meerstrand-binse, strand-binse
Eng: sea rush, seaside rush, sparto
Dan: strand-siv
Fra: jonc maritime
Swe: strandtåg
Nld: zeerus
Nob: strandsiv
Nno: strandsiv
Cym: brwyn arfor, brwynen arfor, morfrwynen, myrwerydd
Gla: meathán mara
Kat: ჭილი
En: Sea rush, Seaside rush, Sparto
Ar: أسل بحري
Bg: Морска дзука
Ca: Jonc marí, Jonc marítim
Co: Ghjuncu marinu
Da: Strand-siv
Nl: Zeerus
Fi: Marskivihvilä
Fr: Jonc maritime, Jonc aigu, Jonc à tépales pointus
Ka: Ჭილი
De: Strand-Binse, Meerstrand-Binse, Meer-Simse, Strand-Simse, Strandbinse
He: סמר ימי
Hu: Tengeri szittyó
It: Giunco marittimo
Nb: Strandsiv
Nn: Strandsiv
Fa: سازوی دریایی
Pl: Sit morski
Gd: Meathán mara
Es: Junco marino, Junco de mar
Sv: Strandtåg
Cy: Brwynen arfor, Brwyn Arfor, Morfrwynen, Myrwerydd

Synonyms

• Juncus maritimus var. ponticus ((Steven) Nyman)
• Juncus maritimus var. atlanticus (J.W.White)
• Juncus spinosus var. congestus ((L.B.Hall) Druce)
• Juncus pseudacutus (Pau)
• Juncus maritimus var. luxurians (Lojac.)
• Juncus paui (Sennen)
• Schoenus coarctatus (Seenus)
• Juncus maritimus var. congestus (L.B.Hall)
• Juncus maritimus var. contractus (Trémols ex Cadevall)
• Juncus maritimus ponticus ((Steven) Asch. & Graebn.)
• Juncus maritimus var. nervatus (Lojac.)
• Juncus ponticus (Steven)
• Juncus broteri (Steud.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Denmark (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• Iran (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Netherlands (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Nov 16, 2022 by Julie Bonnefoy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by PA_VO MAR_2122 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2022 by PA_VO MAR_2122 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 30, 2020 by Cody Richardson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2022 by pellissima (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 15, 2021 by Mathis Dureux (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Darren Giddins (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 2, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Genevieve BOTTI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2008 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 25, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Florent BECK (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 14, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 27, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 24, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Bertrand BUI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 1, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Patrick LEBOULENGER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2021 by Ursula Raetz (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Jul 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Dec 31, 1865 by Tela Botanica − Herbier PONTARLIER-MARICHAL (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2701869)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:443185-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juncus maritimus Lam.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 6

Soil salinity: 6