Juncus bulbosus Bulbous Rush

A small, but variable rush which occurs in permanently or seasonally wet habitats, sometimes submerged, often in muddy places and then rooting at the nodes. It usually occurs on acidic to neutral substrates. Stace (2019) recognises 2 subspecies, both of which are common in Britain, although Sell and Murrell (1996) include both, broadly, as Juncus bulbosus. Juncus bulbosus ssp. bulbosus is usually procumbent and its flowers have outer tepals shorter than the inner and with acute tips. Juncus bulbosus ssp. kochii is usually upright and its flowers have outer tepals longer than the inner and with acuminate points. They sometimes occur together and their ecological preferences appear to be similar. Plants often produce proliferating flowers which are most obvious late in summer (see photo). It is a common species in West Glamorgan and a frequent member of the ditch flora at the sides of forest roads sometimes growing in communities that include Articulated Rush (Juncus articulatus) with which it is often confused.

Native