Freshwater Wetlands/ Forked Rush

COMMON NAME: Forked Rush

OTHER COMMON NAME(S):

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Juncus dichotomus

FAMILY: Juncaceae

COMMUNITY: Freshwater Wetland

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 4 to 24 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Late June to August

FRUITING TIME: Late June to August

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout North America

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Rhizomatous ~ Colonial ~ Unbranched round stems ~ Leaves are flat and grass-like ~ Flowers in small clusters, usually greenish or brown

GENERAL INFORMATION: 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. The presence of rushes indicates damp soil or low meadows. 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, 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.