Tidal Marsh/ Black Grass

COMMON NAME: Black Grass

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Juncus gerardii

FAMILY: Juncaceae

COMMUNITY: Tidal Marsh

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 10 to 25 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late May to August

FRUITING TIME: Late May to August with some old fruit to October

DISTRIBUTION: Newfoundland to Florida ~ Throughout entire coastal strip in NJ and  Delaware river marshes

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Delicate dark green stem ~ Leaves long, narrow and rounded in cross section, one or two on a stem ~ Flowers on ascending branches, loose clusters, green or brown ~ Fruit capsules are conspicuous, black with longitudinal stripes of purple brown ~ Extensive rhizomes and stolons, dark brown

GENERAL INFORMATION: The name Black Grass is a misnomer, since this plant is not a grass (poaceae) but rather a member of the rush family.  The rush family, Juncaceae, includes eight genera and approximately three hundred species of grass-like plants.  In ancient times rushes were used to make roofs, writing instruments, bedding, caulking for ships and some were used to make arrows.  A more poetic use was for musical pipes.  In the Middle Ages rushes were used to cover cold stone floors and were swept away when dirty. Black grass is less tolerant of high soil salinity than other marsh species.  Thus, it is found on the higher parts of the salt marsh; usually in dense stands.  The salt glands in the leaves of other marsh plants that permit them to eliminate excess salt are absent in Black Grass.  Black Grass is often associated with Marsh Spike Grass. The dense, mat-forming colonies offer protection against erosion.  Rails use the thick vegetation for cover and nesting areas. The following rhythm may help distinguish rushes from the similar appearing sedges and grasses: Sedges have edges, Rushes are round, Grasses have joints from the tips to the ground. The stems of rushes are round in cross section, like a knitting needle.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.