Juncus polycephalus Michx. - Many-Headed Rush
Family - Juncaceae
Stems:
N/A
Leaves:
Leaf base.
Inflorescence:
Flowers:
Flowering - June - September.
Habitat - Ditches, pond and lake margins. Typically in sandy soil.
Origin - Native to North America.
Other information - This big rush can be found in the southern half of Alabama. The plant can be identified by its large size, many globose flower heads. This species and another, J. validus Coville, are similar and difficult to differentiate. Usually, a close examination of the capsule and seeds is necessary.
The genus Juncus derives from the Latin "junc(us)" "meaning "a rush, reed" and is the classical Latin name for the genus.
The species epithet polycephalus derives from the Greek "poly" meaning "many, much" and "cephal(a)" meaning "the head" referring to the many flower heads of this species.
Alabama Distribution:
Photographs taken off Hwy 431, Russell County, AL., 6-25-06.