Juncus bufonius, known commonly as toad rush, is a widespread flowering plant species complex in the rush family Juncaceae.[1][2][3]

Juncus bufonius
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Poales
Family: Juncaceae
Genus: Juncus
Species:
J. bufonius
Binomial name
Juncus bufonius

Distribution edit

Its native range is circumpolar throughout tropical, subtropical, subarctic, and temperate climate areas of the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.[1][4][5][6][7][8] It is also widely distributed as an introduced species in suitable habitats worldwide. It grows in moist and muddy places, often in wetlands and riparian areas.[9]

In habitats where it is not native and has naturalized it may be considered a weed. The relationship of North America plants to the Eurasian Juncus ranarius is weakly delineated.[3]

Description edit

Juncus bufonius is an annual monocot that is quite variable in appearance. It is generally a green clumping grasslike rush, with many thin stems wrapped with few threadlike leaves.[3]

The flowers are borne in inflorescences and also in the joint where the inflorescence branches off of the stem. It is a grassy flower folded within tough bracts and sepals.[3] The blooming period is March through May.[9]

Varieties edit

Varieties include:[9]

  • Juncus bufonius var. bufonius — North America.[10]
  • Juncus bufonius var. congestus — North America.[11]
  • Juncus bufonius var. occidentalis — North America.[12]
  • Juncus bufonius var. rechingeriSouth Asia.[6]

References edit

External links edit