Soft Rush |
Juncus effusus |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer |
Very common on moorland, grassland and damp croftland, sometimes forming extensive stands. Also at edges of lochs. Stem c 30-90 cm high, c 2-2.5 mm wide. Tepals c 2-2.5 mm long ID: Bract of flowerhead looks like continuation of stem, so that flowerhead appears to be emerging from side of stem. Stem feels smooth, without ridges, though faint lines can be seen. If ridges present then it's Compact Rush Other features: Flowerhead varies from loose (var effusus) to dense (var subglomeratus). There is a third variety (var spiralis) which has tight heads and curly stems spreading out in all directions. The first two varieties are very common in the area, but the third is rare. |
![]() Photo ©
Carl Farmer An exceptionally loose flowerhead |
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Photo ©
Carl Farmer A tight flowerhead with larval cases |