RushesOf Ontario

What is a Rush? Any of several flowering plants

distinguished by cylindrical stalks or hollow, stem-like leaves. 

The rush family (Juncaceae) includes Juncus, the common rushes, and Luzula, the woodrushes.

They are found in temperate regions and particularly in moist or shady locations.

What is a Rush? There are eight genera in the Rush

Family which contain about 400 species. The most well-known and largest genus

is Juncus which contains 300 species. Most of the Juncus group grow almost

exclusively in wetlands.

A Comparison

Grasses

Sedges

Rushes

A Comparison- Flowers & Capsules

“Flower” Breakdown Each “flower” is

composed of 2 rings of tepals.

Inside the perianth (the rings of tepals) are one or two rings of 3 stamens.

In the centre is the ovary with 3 stigmas.

The fruit is a capsule.

World Wide Uses For Rushes Rushes can be found on every continent

with the exception of Antarctica. In many countries they have been

historically used to make items such as rugs, baskets, boats, candles, insulation, roofing, and bedding materials.

…………Here are some of these items.

The Japanese Soft Rush Mat

Rush Candlestick

In Europe the rush pith was soaked in grease and used as a cheap alternative to candles.

Muwekma Peoples Rush Uses

They used the Tule Rush for the creation of boats. (Right Upper)

Tule rushes were also used for roofing.

Baltic Rush(Juncus balticus) Baltic rush can be found from

Alaska to Newfoundland, south to Virginia and in Texas and California.

Baltic rush is wind pollinated. Can be found in wet

meadows, along stream banks, rivers, lakes, and ponds.

Aboriginal peoples used it for basket weaving.

Non-Native

Hairy Wood Rush(Luzula pilosa) Usually occurs in non-

wetlands, such as forest edges, forests, woodlands.

There are two varieties of Hairy Wood Rush, one is common around Eastern North America while the other is more rare but can be found in South Eastern North America.

Toad RushJuncus bufonius

Annual rush; low flowering stem; unbranched or branchy at base.

Habitat: moist to wet open sandy areas

Special notes: name bufonius means “pertaining to the toad”

Toad rush grows in almost every country of the world

The Rarest Species of Rush…