Juncus canadensis
Tailed-seed Rush
Densely tufted perennial, strictly erect, stout. Stems 15-90 cm high, with several cauline leaves; internal septa present below inflorescence. Leaves terete, transversely-septate, septa usually evident externally. Inflorescence variable, (2) -4-12- (18) cm long. Flowers in large or small clusters of 5-20 at end of branches or in the forks. Tepals 3.5-4 mm long, very narrow, rigid, acuminate, outer very slightly < inner. Stamens 3, occasionally 4-6. Capsule 3-4.5 mm long, = or slightly > tepals, narrowed to short beak. Seeds with distinct white tails at each end.
S. Well established through Buller and Westland, extending inland to Reefton and the Maruia Valley; Canterbury - Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Tasman Valley (Mount Cook). In damp places and swamps. (N. America)
First record [Healy] 1969: 117.
First collection: Perpendicular Point, Westland, V. D. Zotov, 19.1.1936 (CHR 9709).
The white-tailed seeds and rigid acuminate tepals readily distinguish this from all other septate-leaved spp. in. N.Z. It is coarser, more strictly erect and densely tufted than the spp. with which it is commonly confused - J. acuminatus, J. articulatus, and J. microcephalus.
J. canadensis is well established locally in damp pastures through Buller and Westland, at times forming large colonies along roadsides and in waste areas. In swampy places, the erect clumps standing above the water are characteristic. The species has been found in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, introduced in the earth ball of indigenous plants from the West Coast, and it could easily be transferred to other districts in a similar manner.
