Freshwater Wetlands/ Twig Rush

COMMON NAME: Twig Rush

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Water Bog Rush

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cladium mariscoides 

FAMILY: Cyperaceae

COMMUNITY: Freshwater Wetlands

STATUS: Native

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: to 3 feet

FLOWERING TIME: June to August

FRUITING TIME:

DISTRIBUTION: Nova Scotia to Florida ~ Statewide in New Jersey, decreasing inland

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Grass like, herbaceous ~ Leaves narrow up to 8 inches long ~ Rhizomatous (underground stems), often colonial ~ Inflorescence slender, terminal

GENERAL INFORMATION: The rush family, Cyperaceae, 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 genus Caladium is from the Greek “caldion” meaning branchlet or small branch and refers to the many branched cyme (flat topped flower cluster that blooms from the center). 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.