Scientific Name: Juncus pallidus
Common Name: pale rush
Family Classification (Clade): Monocots
Family: Juncaceae
Form Description: Large rush, usually tall and stout.
Height (m): 1 – 2
Flowers: Pale, very numerous in loose clusters on stiff stalks.
Fruit: Capsule – numerous small capsules contained in open, branched seed heads. Capsules dry and turn brown as they mature. Seed is dust-like.
Municipality
Plant Communities
Habitat Notes
Wet places, ponds and ditches, usually lowland or sandy soil. Withstands seasonal dryness.
Site Tolerance
Moist, Waterlogged
Soil Tolerance
Fertile, Loam, Nutrient-poor, Poorly-drained, Sandy, Well-drained
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
General Notes
The tussocks provide habitat around pools and waterways, for small animals including birds, fish and crustaceans; important frog habitat. Bird attracting. The seed probably provides food for birds including finches, pigeons and parrots. Used in traditional Palawa basket weaving. Also used in contemporary basket weaving.
Propagation Calendar
-
Flowering Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Seed Collecting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Sowing Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec -
Cutting Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
Seed Information
Seed Collection
Ripe seed should release easily when seed head is rubbed between fingers.
Seed Treatment Method
Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.
Seed Treatment Notes
Usually has good results especially if seed is sown fresh. May require light to germinate. If sowing in trays the bog method is recommended but not essential. If direct sowing mix the very fine seed with a bulking agent and sow thinly in pots or in the field.
Germination Time
2-3 weeks