Gold Rush
Juncus flavidus
Medium to densely tufted rush to 1.2 m tall and up to 1 m wide. Stems erect, 5.5 mm in diameter, dull and yellow-green to blue-green. Horizontal rhizomatous roots. Emergent narrow-leaf. Leaves reddish-brown to dark brown towards the base, 30 cm long. Straw-coloured flowers either scattered or clustered.
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Flora Type | Sedges, rushes |
| Distinctive Features | A characteristic feature is the very finely ribbed or almost smooth stems. Spongey pith is interspersed with air spaces that vary in size. |
| Biology | Perennial. Found in saltmarshes and grassy wetlands. Introduced in NZ. |
| Native Status | Native |
| Flowering Time | Nov-May. |
| Taxonomy | |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Tracheophyta (Vascular Plants) |
| Class | Magnoliopsida (Flowering Plants) |
| Order | Poales |
| Family | Juncaceae |
| Genus | Juncus |
| Species | flavidus |
Provides habitat for wetland birds and frogs. The seed of some Juncus species was possibly eaten as a food source by Aboriginal people, and the stems were used as fibre for string and basket-making, by Aboriginal people.
| Interesting Facts | |
|---|---|
| Similar Species | Similar to J. subsecundus and J. australis and hybridises with these species, as well as J. pallidus. |
| Native Status | Native |