Thicket/ Toad Rush

COMMON NAME: Toad Rush

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Frog Rush, Coe Grass

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Juncus bufonius

FAMILY: Juncaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket

STATUS: Native   

LIFESPAN: Annual

HEIGHT: 1 ½ to 14 inches

FLOWERING TIME: May to August, Mostly in June

FRUITING TIME: Late June to August, Mostly in June

DISTRIBUTION: Throughout the United States ~ Statewide outside central Pine Barrens in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stems thin, wiry ~ Round stems start branching half way down stem ~ Flowers relatively few on each branch ~ No bracts (specialized leaf, acts like an envelope below flower) under flower clusters ~ Short thin leaves. Consider the often quoted rhyme when identifying rushes: “Sedges have edges, Rushes are round, Grasses have joints from their tips to the ground.” The stems of rushes are round, like a knitting needle.

GENERAL INFORMATION: The Juncaceae family is commonly known as the Rush family.  The rush family 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.

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.