Juncus Sp.– Rush

Pollution, Sprouts (limited info), Fiber, Weaving, Remediation, Various (limited info)

"Habit: Rhizome 0 or generally with scale-like leaves. Stem: generally cylindric or flat. Leaf: blade well developed and cylindric or flat, occasionally closely resembling stem, or reduced to small point; crosswalls generally present; appendages generally present at blade-sheath junction. Inflorescence: generally terminal, appearing lateral when pushed aside by inflorescence bract; bractlets 0--2. Flower: sepals, petals similar; stamens generally 3 or 6(2); pistil 1, ovary chambers 1--3, placentas axile or parietal, stigmas generally 3(2). Seed: many." ^[Jepson]

"Species In Genus: 315 species: worldwide, especially northern hemisphere. Etymology: (Latin: to join or bind, from use of stems)" ^[Jepson]

"Note: All species with leaf crosswalls may have leaves, stems swollen, deformed by sucking insects. Fruiting time given instead of flowering time. Plants included in TJM2 as Juncus brachyphyllus now treated in California as a new species, Juncus trilocularis (Zika 2012 Rhodora 114:309--329); Juncus bulbosus, Juncus dichotomus, and Juncus elliottii, only noted as naturalized in TJM2, now fully treated." ^[Jepson]

“(From Latin iuncus, for a rush, derived from iugere, to tie or bind, from the use of stems for that purpose; akin to Akkadian unqu, uqqu, ring, Greek onkos, hook).... The genus contains about 300 species and is nearly cosmopolitan (Mabberley 1997). Europe has 53 species and Kartesz (1993) lists more than 100 for North America. In addition to these 2, Moerman (1998) listed 12 others that were used by North American tribes.” ^{[Daniel F. Austin]}

Local Species;

Juncus Sp.

• Juncus arabicus; Flavonoids, Tannins, nitrate ^{[Ozturk PPT]}
• Juncus subulatus; Alkaloids, Tannins, flavonoids ^{[Ozturk PPT]}

• J. balticus (Greens - per 100g fresh wt.); 8.5g Protein, 32.2g Fiber , 305mg Calcium, 165mg Phosphorus. ^{[Turner, Kuhnlein]}
• J. effusus (Shoots - per 100g fresh wt.); 0.9g Protein, 0.4g Ash, 41mg Calcium, 20mg Phosphorus, 46mg Sodium, 123mg Potassium, 11.9mg Magnesium, and 1.2mg Iron. ^{[Turner, Kuhnlein]}

• Fiber: “The Ojibwa used rushes for weaving mats, bags, and pouches (King 1984, Moerman 1998). All the other records are from western tribes, including the Cahuilla, Hesquiat, Karok, Mendocino, Porno, Snuqualmie, Tolowa, and Yurok. All these groups used Juncus leaves for tying and weaving.” ^{[Daniel F. Austin]} “...the tough, fibrous stems [of Juncus Sp.] are inedible. However, they are useful in weaving baskets and mats.”^{[Vizgirdas WPSN]}

Medicinal Use

• Seed of Juncus spp. used in Egypt for labour problems. ^{[UNIDO Africa]}

• “The phenanthrenes are a rather uncommon group of aromatic constituents formed by oxidative coupling of the aromatic rings of stilbene precursors and existed in the form of monomers, dimers, and even trimers [87]. A large number of phenanthrenes have been isolated from higher plants.... The greatest number of phenanthrenes has been obtained from the Juncus species.... glycosides were isolated from the plants of Juncus effusus.... The phenanthrenes from the Juncus genus show growth inhibitory effects against the green alga Selenastrum capricornutum with IC₅₀ values ranging from 11.1 to 19.9 μM [161].” ^{[Ramawat NP]}

Cultivation

• “Juncaceae is regarded as a non-mycorrhizal family, with 56% of species nonmycorrhizal (Newman, Reddell 1987). Juncus garardi as occasionally mycorrhizal; no information is available on Juncus balticus (Harley, Harley 1987).”^{[Druva-Lusite,2010]}
• Aquatic Fungal Host: “Ingoldian hyphomycetes have a worldwide distribution from the equator to the Arctic. They are found most frequently in babbling brooks overhung by deciduous trees and are less abundant in wider rivers or where streams flow through afforested regions in which trees have been clearfelled on both sides (Metwalli & Shearer, 1989). They are relatively infrequent in streams in mountainous or moorland areas devoid of riparian trees, but can grow there on plants such as rushes (Juncus spp.). As rivers flow towards the sea and the brackish condition is encountered in the estuaries, Ingoldian hyphomycetes decline in frequency. A few species grow in lakes, but the lotic (flowing) habitat is preferred to the lentic (smooth).... aquatic hyphomycetes play a very important role as intermediaries in the diet of aquatic invertebrates and their major food source, the leaves of riparian trees. Since aquatic invertebrates in turn provide the food source of other animals, including fish, the activities of aquatic hyphomycetes are vital to the food chain in maintaining stream productivity. ” ^{[IntrotoFun3]}
• Stems encouraged with cutting and pruning. ^{[Anderson TTW]}
• General Remediation Potential: “The reason that wetland plants seem to be innately tolerant to metal pollution remains unclear; and a few cases indicate that this is by no means a general rule. For instance, Matthews et al. (2004) found that Juncus articulatus is an example of species that is not able to develop tolerance to zinc. Other species of Juncus genera, like Juncus acutus, have demonstrated differences between population with different pollution origin as regards germination rate, seedling survival, and growth (Mateos-Naranjo, personal observation, 2013)” ^{[Gupta HMSP]} Juncus Spp. Frequently used in constructed wetlands. ^{[Hofman PRFB 9]} “Not many indigenous plants apart from Juncus species with their prolific seed production, their ability to grow even on raw terrestrial soils, and possible allelopathic properties, are likely to become invasive in created wetlands or around dams unless they have been deliberately introduced.” ^{[Romanowski PWAD]} “The first species Juncus lutea was recognized as a hyperaccumulator of nickel more than 50 years ago (Pichi Sermolli 1948 after Brooks 1998). Plants of other species such as J. effuses (Marian et al. 2009) and J. articulatus (Vardanyan and Ingole 2006) were also found growing at the polluted sites accumulating heavy metals.”^[SoilBio-30]
  • “Macrophyte role in the abatement of pollution in drainage canals has now been demonstrated (Bennett et al. 2005). The parts of helophytes above the surface of the water intercept spray drift and reduce deposits on the surface of the water (Linders et al. 2000). Juncus capensis seems to be particularly effective as it has been reported to reduce the quantity of azinphos-methyl reaching the surface of the water by 75% (Dabrowski et al. 2005). In addition, the submerged part of the plants improves the system by absorbing pesticides in solution in the water (Hand et al. 2001). This type of development is more effective than making VFS [Vegetative Filter Strips] wider. Several countries now include setting of VFS in their good farming practices For example, French regulations require a strip 5 m wide.”^{[Lichtfouse AFS]}
• Dry Roughage and use as mushroom substrate: Rush hay, western (Juncus, spp.) (All as - Per ct.) Total dry matter 90.0, Protein 9.4, Fat 1.8, Fiber 29.2, N-free extract 44.2, Total minerals 5.4, Nitrogen 1.5. ^{[GGMM Stamets]}
• Peruvian Forage: “Juncus spp., chiwa, is a rush that forms mats in certain poorly drained areas of the temperate valley. Cattle graze on it, especially in the dry season when it is one of the few green plants available.” ^{[Gade PMLP]}
• Aphid Host Plant: “Cavariella aquatica; Forda formicaria; Geoica utricularia; Iziphya maculata; [Myzus titschaki]; Schizaphis scirpi” ^{[Blackman AWHPS]}

Juncus acutus

"Juncus acutus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower in June. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water." ^[PFAF]

General: Perennial herb from long, creeping rhizomes; stems arising singly, not in dense clusters, round, usually straight, smooth, wiry, erect, 15-60 cm tall.

SUBTAXA PRESENT IN BC
Juncus arcticus ssp. alaskanus

Habitat / Range
Tidal flats and lakeshores in the lowland and montane zones; ssp. alaskanus - rare in N and E BC; ssp. sitchensis - common in coastal BC; ssp. alaskanus - N to AK, YT and NT; ssp. sitchensis - amphiberingian, N to AK, E Asia.

Origin Status: Native

“Juncus acutus, sharp rush, is a northern hemisphere species, native to Europe, Asia and North America where it occurs in upper saltmarshes and brackish inter-dune wetlands. In parts of its native range, for example in the United Kingdom, it is a relatively rare species of conservation interest. It has been accidently introduced into Australia where it is now a major weed of pasture and coastal saltmarsh.... In saltmarsh it can form dense monospecific stands, crowding out the native J. Kraussii.” ^{[Saintilan ASE]}

"Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, there is a report that one member of this genus is possibly toxic to mammals[76]" ^[PFAF]

Other Uses

Totorilla is also used as cattle fodder. The crops are protected from the uncontrolled livestock, and only when a pool is severely affected by weeds, will they be given up for pasture. Other domestic uses of totorilla are: the apical parts from the dried stems are burnt and the ashes obtained are used for healing the cut umbilical cord in newborn children; and dried apical parts are also used as fire-starters for the kitchens.[ManuelMacia]

The main use of totorilla in Ecuador is in the manufacture of handicrafts. To produce them, the fibers are soaked in water for 5-10 min, which makes them more pliable and keeps them from breaking during weaving. The handicrafts are made inside of the houses to prevent the sun from drying and hardening the fibers. The stems are classified according to their thickness to get a better uniformity of the final product. The stems are made flexible by passing them through a split stick. The products are manufactured by intercrossing pairs of stems, adding as many series as needed, depending on the final size of the product.[ManuelMacia]
The weavers devote most of the day to this activity. Two kinds of products are made: traditional baskets made only with totorilla fibers, and the modern products in which the fiber covers different kinds of pottery (Fig. 2E). The latter were first produced 15 years ago and sell better as souvenirs for domestic and foreign tourists. Table 1 shows the sizes, number of stems, and time devoted to each product. De- pending on the thickness of the stems--thicker ones harvested at pools, thinner ones coming from nonflooded areas--the size of the final product will be long or short. The products from nonflooded areas are of secondary importance because the stems are shorter. The maximum dimensions of the products are limited by the fiber length, which may not exceed 15 pairs, equal to 120 fibers.[ManuelMacia]

Papermaking: “In Egypt, two salt-tolerant rushes, Juncus rigidus and J. acutus, have been investigated with particular emphasis on their potential use in papermaking.” ^{[Saline Agriculture]}

Juncus_arcticus_fiber_products.jpg
[Manuel&Macia]

Harvesting: The green stems of totorilla (J. arcticus) are harvested at regular intervals of four months, when the inflorescence has matured and the plant reaches its maximum development. The harvest is done in the pools by pulling out the stems manually from its basal part, to obtain the maximum length from the stems, which is usually 1.3-2.2 m (Fig. 2A). When the plant grows without harvesting for more than four months, the stems become difficult to pull out manually and must be cut with a serrated sickle, resulting in shorter stems. Although the time employed harvesting depends on the density of stems, on one occasion a worker manually harvested 6 m 2 in 66 minutes. Once the harvest is finished, the pool must be cleaned of all plants with the exception of totorilla stems to prevent weeds. [ManuelMacia]
After After harvesting, the stems are tied in bundles and carried to the homes to dry (Fig. 2B). To take advantage of the basal parts, once the stems are dried, the cataphyls are removed and left one more week to dry, until they acquire a color similar to the rest of the stems. Once dried, the fibers can be stored for some years without damage.[ManuelMacia]
A minor part of the totorilla used is harvested from wild managed populations, usually close to the pools, where natural populations are maintained from wind-dispersed seeds. These stems are thinner than the ones from the pools. They are harvested when needed, but always in intervals longer than four months.[ManuelMacia]
In nonflooded areas a 1 m 2 plot yielded an average of 982 stems (range 517-1560; n = 30). Despite its high production only half of the stems can be used for manufacturing according to the artisans. One product can be made of 70 stems, so we estimate that a 0.15-0.2 m 2 plot is needed from wild managed populations.[ManuelMacia]

Phytochemicals: 9,10-dihydrophenanthrenoid ^[Hong,2008]

Anti-Nutritional Factors: “Flavonoids, Alkaloids, Tannins, nitrate”^{[Ozturk PPT]}

Cultivation
"Easily grown in a moist soil, bog garden or shallow water[1, 200]. Prefers a heavy soil in sun or light shade[200]." ^[PFAF]

Propagation
"Seed - surface sow in pots in a cold frame in early spring and keep the compost moist. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently, otherwise in late spring of the following year. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring." ^[PFAF]

Totorilla has been cultivated by the rural population of Pupami for several decades. Even though it is a terrestrial species, totorilla is cultivated as an aquatic plant and, in this environment, the stem growth is faster, longer, and thicker than in nonflooded areas. The plant is cultivated in pools excavated in the ground, where subterranean water flows at 1.5-3 m below the surface. Plantlets obtained from the areas close to the pools or from the pastures, without much stem development, 40- 50 cm maximum height, are planted without letting them dry in permanently wet areas at a depth of about 5 CA, and 10-15 cm apart (Fig. 2C). The rate of success is generally high. According to the informants, the only limiting factor is the absence of water during some seasons. The first harvest can be done one year after planting, whereas the second and subsequent cuts may be every four months. The plants re- main in production up to 15 years. Then it is necessary to completely remove the rhizomes, clear all the organic matter from the pools, and then, new plantlets can be planted without fallow.[ManuelMacia]

Synonyms
Juncus arcticus var. alaskanus (Hultén) S.L. Welsh Juncus balticus var. alaskanus (Hultén) A.E. Porsild

References

1. http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Juncus%20arcticus&redblue=Both&lifeform=6 [Accessed: 3/30/2015]
2. [ManuelMacia] ECONOMIC USE OF TOTORILLA (JuNcus ARCTICUS, JUNCACEAE) IN ECUADOR,MANUEL J. Macia, Economic Botany 55(2) pp. 236--242. 2001
3. http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juncus+acutus, Accessed Mar 30, 2015,

Juncus bufonius

• Emetic: “The Iroquois used a decoction of J. bufonius as an emetic; runners drank it to prepare themselves to race (Moerman 1998).” ^{[Daniel F. Austin]}

Juncus canadensis – Canadian Rush

• Mat Making ^{[HuronSmith Winnebago]}

Juncus communis

• Activities: Antilithic, pectoral, discutient, refrigerant, diuretic, depurative, sedative. ^[CRNAH]
• Phytochemicals: (whole plant) Arabinose, xylose. ^[CRNAH]

Juncus conglomeratus

"Juncus conglomeratus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in flower from May to July. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water." ^[PFAF]

General: Perennial herb from compact rhizomes; stems in dense clusters, coarsely longitudinally grooved with 10 to 20 ridges, the epidermal cells on the ridges distinctly larger than the others, 20-60 cm tall

Habitat / Range
Wet disturbed sites and pastures in the lowland zone; rare in coastal BC; introduced from Europe.

Origin Status: Exotic

Hazards

• "Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, there is a report that one member of this genus is possibly toxic to mammals[76]." ^[PFAF]

• Basketry: "The stems are used in basket making, thatching, weaving mats etc[46, 61]." ^[PFAF]
• Rush Lights: (Also from J. Effusus) “Rush-lights (there is an American name for rushes, Lampwick Grass) were made from second-year plants (those in flower, that is), and they were trimmed to about 12 – 15 inches. They were then peeled, while still leaving on a thin strip of rind to support the fragile pith. After drying, they were passed through hot fat. Of course, the resulting rush-lights were very fragile, so they were stored in a cylindrical tin called a “rush-bark” (or “candle bark”), originally a piece of bark, as the name implies, which could be hung on the wall.”^{[DPL Watts]}
• Ropes: (Also from J. Effusus) “Twisted into ropes, rushes were used for securing thatched roofs, and for trussing hay and straw. It was claimed that they were stronger and more durable than ropes of hemp. They were used for bedding, too.”^{[DPL Watts]}

Cultivation

"This species is closely related to J. effusus[17].[Same as J.effusus]" ^[PFAF]

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Juncus%20conglomeratus&redblue=Both&lifeform=6 [Accessed: 3/30/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juncus+conglomeratus, Accessed March 30, 2015

Juncus cooperi

Basketry: ”the tough lemon-colored scapes of Juncus cooperi were split for Koso Panamint sewing strands”^{[Anderson TTW]}

Juncus dudleyi - Dudley's rush

Juncus dudleyi is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from Jun to September, and the seeds ripen from Jul to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Habitat / Range
Dry to moist meadows, pastures, roadsides and ditches, mostly on disturbed soil in the steppe and montane zones; infrequent in SC and SE BC; N to AK, YT and NT, E to NF and S to ME, MA, PA, VA, SC, MS, TX, NM, AZ and CA.

Origin Status: Native

Synonyms
Juncus tenuis var. dudleyi (Wiegand) F.J. Herm. Juncus tenuis var. uniflorus auct. non Farw. p.p.

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, there is a report that one member of this genus is possibly toxic to mammals[76] .

Other Uses

The leaves are used in weaving mats etc[257]. The leaves are rather small and are used in the finest mat work and for small pieces[257].

Propagation
Seed - surface sow in pots in a cold frame in early spring and keep the compost moist. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer if they have grown sufficiently, otherwise in late spring of the following year. Division in spring. Very easy, larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation
Easily grown in a moist soil or bog garden[1, 200]. Prefers a heavy soil in sun or light shade[200]. This species is closely related to J. tenuis[17].

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Juncus%20dudleyi [Accessed: 3/30/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juncus+dudleyi, Accessed March 30, 2015

Juncus effusus

"Juncus effusus is a PERENNIAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is hardy to zone (UK) 4. It is in flower from Jun to August. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil and can grow in water. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure." ^[PFAF]

Habitat/Range: Marshes and humid meadows ^{[Conti VFNP]} "Moist to wet disturbed places, pastures, fields, ditches, clearings, forest margins, marshes and peat bogs in the lowland, steppe, and montane zones; common W of the Coast-Cascade Mountains; N to AK and S to MT, ID, AZ and CA; Eurasia." ^{[IFBC-E-flora]}

Ecological Indicator Information A very shade-intolerant, submontane to subalpine, circumpolar rush (trans­continental in North America). Species occurs on very moist to wet, nitrogen-medium soils within subalpine boreal, temperate, and mesothermal climates. Common and often dominant in early-seral communities on water-receiving and water­collecting sites with exposed and compacted mineral soil and a fluctuating groundwater table. Frequently associated with Carex species Deschampsia caespitosa and Scirpus microcarpus. Characteristic of waterlogged sites. [IPCBC]

Hazards:

• In South Africa, the herb is suspected of causing “vlei poisoning” (WBB). ^[MPB-Duke] "Possibly toxic to mammals[76]." ^[PFAF]

Food Uses:

• Young shoots - "raw[118, 257]. Some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity." ^[PFAF]

Other Uses:

• Basketry: Stems used for artisanal basketry. ^{[Gras et al.]} “Stems and leaves used as textile raw material, as stuffing and as cordage. Leaves used for basketry. (6)” ^[Bocek] J. effusus was cultivated in Japan for making floor mats, chair bottoms, etc. ^{[Daniel F. Austin]} "Stems are used in basket making, thatching, weaving mats etc[23, 46, 66, 99, 115, 171]. The stems can also be dried then twisted or braided into ropes for tying or binding[257]." ^[PFAF]
• Cooking Tool: The Cherokee used J. effusus to bind oak leaves around dough before it was cooked (Hamel and Chiltoskey 1975).^{[Daniel F. Austin]}
• Papermaking: "A fibre obtained from the stems is used for making paper[189]. The stems are harvested in late summer or autumn, they are split and cut into usable pieces and then soaked for 24 hours in clear water. They are then cooked for 2 hours with lye and beaten in a blender. The fibres make an off-white paper[189]. When mixed with mulberry fibres they can be used for making stencil paper[189]." ^[PFAF]
• Strewing: "The whole plant was formerly used as a strewing herb[1, 66, 115]." ^[PFAF]
• Wick: The pith, when dried and oiled, will serve as a wick. ^{[Daniel F. Austin]} "Stems can be peeled (except for a small spine which is left to keep them upright) and soaked in oil then used as a candle[6, 46, 61, 115]." ^[PFAF]

Medicinal Uses: “Diuretic, sexually transmitted diseases, anti-inflammation.” ^[CRNAH]

• Wash: “Other uses included an infusion given to babies to prevent lameness and a wash to strengthen them.” ^{[Daniel F. Austin]} “Old men and children's enuresis - Water decoction; overground part –internal; baths” ^{[Ivanova PFHD]}
• Chinese Medicine: Added to part of a herbal formula as follows; “A small amount of dengxincao (Juncus effusus) may be added to conduct Heat downward.” ^{[Liu ECM]} The dried stem pulp of Juncus effusus; ^{[Xinrong TCM]}
  • “Effect. Febrifuge, inducing diuresis, treating stranguria, clearing away heart-fire and eliminating restlessness.” ^{[Xinrong TCM]}
  • “Indication. Urinary infection, dribbling and painful micturition, restlessness caused by heart-heat, morbid night crying of babies, epilepsy and sore-throat.” ^{[Xinrong TCM]}
• Standard daily dosage: 1.5-4.5g ^{[Jennes HTDI]}
• Stem Pith: "The pith of the stem is antiphlogistic, depurative, discutient, diuretic, febrifuge, lenitive, lithontripic, pectoral and sedative[147, 176, 178, 218, 240]. It is used in the treatment of sore throats, jaundice, oedema, acute urinary tract infection and morbid crying of babies[176]." ^[PFAF]

Activities:

• “Juncus effuses, a cosmopolitan angiosperm produces algicides as dihydrophenantherene and tetrahydropyrene (Della Greca et al. 2002).” ^{[Cheema Alleleopathy]}
• “Juncus effusus was also considered an emetic among the Cherokee.” ^{[Daniel F. Austin]}
• “Juncus effusus was also used as a mild diuretic, to expel kidney stones (lithiasis), and for urination difficulties (strangury). It was also used as a cathartic (Hocking 1997). Porcher (1863) noted for J. effusus that 'A decoction of the plant is said to be diuretic.' ” ^{[Daniel F. Austin]}
• Antiinflammatory ; Antiseptic ; Bactericide ; Candidicide; Cathartic; Depurative; Discutient; Diuretic; Fungicide; Lenitive; Litholytic; Nervine; Pectoral; Sedative. ^[MPB-Duke]
• “Hanawa et al. (2002) found a phenanthrene (dehydroeffusol) and a dihydrophenanthrene (juncusol), both of which display enhanced antimicrobial activities in light. The antimicrobial activities against methicillin-resistant and -sensitive Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were increased 16- and 2-fold, respectively, by irradiation with ultraviolet-A irradiation...” ^[MPB-Duke]

Phytochemicals:

• “(whole plant) Tripeptide, r-glutamyl-valylglutamic acid, apigenin, juglandic acid, juglonone, barium, luteolin-7-glucoside, luteolinidin, oxalic acid, arsenic, vitamins.” ^[CRNAH]
• Roots: “Hocking (1997) found that the roots of J. effusus contain tannin and a tripeptide.” ^{[Daniel F. Austin]}
• Hexahydrofarnesyl acetone ^[EncyTCMV.3]
• Juncunol ^{[EncyTCMV.3][Haborne MPB]}
• Cycloartane Glycosides:
  • Juncoside I, II, III, IV, V ^{[Azimova CTG]}
• Juncusol ^{[EncyTCMV.3][Haborne MPB]}
• Juncunone ^[EncyTCMV.3]
• Norvaline ^[EncyTCMV.4]

Cultivation:

• Studied for use in phytoremediation and found to contain trace elements of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Cd. ^{[Hasegawa ERTMCS]} “...common rush (Juncus effuses) took up GTN [Nitrogylcerin] from hydroponic culture and incorporated GTN into biomass. About 70–95 % removal of NG by different grasses was observed after 3 or 5 days. Only a small part of removed nitroglycerine was accumulated in plant tissues of... common rush (4.8 % of the initial NG added).... This indicated that NG was mainly metabolized in grasses tissues by the enzymes....” ^{[Singh BRER]}
• Fungal Infection: “The apothecia of Sclerotinia (Myriosclerotinia) curreyana, a pathogen of the rush Juncus effusus, are common in May. They arise from black sclerotia in the pith at the base of the Juncus stem.... Infected stems look paler than healthy stems, and by feeling down to the base of an infected stem the sclerotium can be felt as a swelling between finger and thumb. The sclerotium has an outer layer of dark cells and a pink interior which includes some of the stellate pith cells of the host.... One or several apothecia may grow from a single sclerotium. The ascospores are released in late spring and infect the new season’s stems. ...Similar clusters of microconidia can be found on infected Juncus later in the season... where they line cavities beneath the epidermis in the upper part of infected culms.” ^{[IntrotoFun3]}

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Juncus%20effusus&redblue=Both&lifeform=6 [Accessed: 3/30/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juncus+effusus, Accessed March 30, 2015

Juncus filiformis

• Menstrual cycle disorders; uterus haemorrhage - Water decoction; overground part ^{[Ivanova PFHD]}

Juncus grisebachii

• Whole plant: Used as medicine (KL Bhutan: [71]). ^{[Uprety et al.]}

Juncus inflexus

• External Use: “Juncus inflexus that proved to be in use in parts of Ulster at one time for jaundice.¹⁹ Usually, folk records refer only to ‘rushes’ unspecifically. In various parts of Ireland, those have been burnt and the ashes put to service: as a cure for ringworm in Offaly²⁰ and Waterford²¹ or, mixed with lard and made into an ointment applied to ‘wildfire’—presumably shingles—in Westmeath,²² or to the pustules of chickenpox, to prevent scarring, in some other, unidentified area.²³ The sole British record traced of a medical use of ‘rushes’ is as a wart cure in Cheshire.²⁴” ^[MPFT]

Juncus maritimus

• Thatching: “The plants used for thatching at Port Jackson were diverse...some of the salt-tolerant rushes such as Juncus maritimus, which was cut (by convicts) at what soon became
  known as Rushcutters Bay...” ^[Seddon]
• The flowers and seeds are used in Tunisia for Haemorrhoids, cicatrizing ^{[Rai EthPlants]}
• Phytostabilization: results the potential usefulness of Halimione portulacoides, Juncus maritimus, and Phragmites australis for metal phytoremediation, namely phytostabilization. ^{[Gupta HMSP]}
• Phytoremediation: “...significant (p< 0.05) hydrocarbon degradation was found both in Juncus maritimus and Phragmites australis rhizosediments...” ^[Phytorem1]

Juncus rigidus

• Papermaking: “In pilot-level testing, the strength properties of unbleached J. rigidus pulp were found to be 73 percent of the kraft pulp ordinarily used.” ^{[Saline Agriculture]}

Juncus roemerianus

• Basketry: “Coarse, thicker-gauge black rush (Juncus roemerianus L.), also known locally as “bulrush, rushel, or needlegrass,” may be added to the inside of the baskets for strength. Black rush turns a rich tawny color when dried.” ^{[Dufault SWS]}

• Juncunol, Juncusol and Juncunone. ^{[Harborne MPB]} dehydrojuncusol ^{[Harborne MPB]}

• “Juncus roemerianus produces extensive mats of dense, superficial roots and rhizomes that resist penetration of water from frequent tidal inundation. The water runs off as surface flow, and the mineral soil and plant roots beneath remain aerated (Kurz and Wagner 1957).” [Clewell ER]
• Remediation: Can remediate oil spills in marshes. ^{[Ramsden BMDHP]}

Juncus subsecundus

Remediation:

• “Zhang et al. (2011) showed that the presence of phenanthrene and pyrene at 50 or 250 mg kg-1 partially alleviated the toxicity of cadmium to Juncus subsecundus. “ ^{[HMR, Gupta]}
• “Zhang et al. (2012) also tested a wetland plant (Juncus subsecundus) for its ability to phytoremediate a soil contaminated with cadmium and PAHs (phenanthrene and pyrene). They found that the dissipation of PAHs from soils was not significantly affected after 70 days of plant growth. Interestingly, the authors also reported that the reduction rate of pyrene was significantly reduced in the rhizosphere when compared to the unplanted control soil (43 % for planted soil and 63 % unplanted soil) while the reduction rate for phenanthrene was 97 % for both soils. An explanation for this phenomenon could be that hydrophobic compounds (e.g. pyrene) are firstly accumulated in the rhizosphere, before being dissipated with time by the rhizodegradation process (Liste and Alexander 2000; Zhang et al. 2012).” ^[Phytorem2]

Juncus tenuis - slender rush

Juncus tenuis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower from Jun to September. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

General: Perennial, loosely tufted herb from fibrous roots; stems erect, 15-75 cm long.

Notes: This species complex was treated as a single, variable species in Ceska (1994) but in this manual I have segregated Juncus confusus, J. dudleyi, and J. interior as separate species.

Habitat / Range
Dry to moist meadows, pastures, roadsides and ditches, mostly on disturbed soil in the lowland, steppe and montane zones; common in BC south of 55degreeN, infrequent in N BC; N to AK, YT and NT, E to NF and S to ME, MA, PA, NC, FL, MS, TX, NM, AZ and CA.

Origin Status: Native

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, there is a report that one member of this genus is possibly toxic to mammals[76]

Other Uses

A string made from the plant has been used to bind up dough in oak leaves for cooking bread[257].
Medicinal Uses

An infusion of the plant has been given to babies to prevent lameness and also used as a wash on babies to strengthen them[257].

Cultivation
This species is closely related to J. dudleyi[17]. The seeds become very mucilaginous and are spread by becoming attached to tractor wheels etc[17]. [Same notes as J. dudleyi]

Propagation
[Same notes as J. dudleyi]

Synonyms
Juncus dichotomus var. platyphyllus Wiegand
Juncus macer Gray
Juncus occidentalis
Juncus platyphyllus (Wiegand) Fernald
Juncus tenuis var. congestus Engelm.
Juncus tenuis var. multicornis E. Mey.
Juncus tenuis var. platyphyllus (Wiegand) F.J. Herm.
Juncus tenuis var. tenuis
Juncus tenuis var. williamsii Fernald

References

• http://linnet.geog.ubc.ca/Atlas/Atlas.aspx?sciname=Juncus%20tenuis&redblue=Both&lifeform=6 [Accessed: 3/30/2015]
• http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Juncus+tenuis, Accessed March 30, 2015

Juncus textilis

• Habitat/Range: California ^{[Anderson TTW]}
• Basketry: Gathered for basket weaving. ^{[Anderson TTW]}

References

• Bocek - Ethnobotany of Costanoan Indians, California, Based on Collections by John P. Harrington, Barbara R. Bocek, Economic Botany, 38(2), 1984, pp. 240-255
• Druva-Lusite,2010 - Diversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis in plants from coastal habitats, Ieva Druva-Lusite, Gederts Ievinsh, Environmental and Experimental Biology (2010) 8: 17–34
• Gras et al. - Beyond food and medicine, but necessary for life, too: other folk plant uses in several territories of Catalonia and the Balearic Islands, Airy Gras, Teresa Garnatje, M. Àngels Bonet, Esperança Carrió, Marina Mayans, Montse Parada, Montse Rigat and Joan Vallès, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2016) 12:23 DOI 10.1186/s13002-016-0097-8
• Hong,2008 - Responses of enzymatic antioxidants and non-enzymatic antioxidants in the cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa to the allelochemical ethyl 2-methyl acetoacetate (EMA) isolated from reed (Phragmites communis), Yu Hong, Hong-Ying Hu, Xing Xie, Feng-Min Li, Journal of Plant Physiology 165 (2008) 1264—1273
• Uprety et al. - Traditional use and management of NTFPs in Kangchenjunga Landscape: implications for conservation and livelihoods, Yadav Uprety, Ram C. Poudel, Janita Gurung, Nakul Chettri and Ram P. Chaudhary, Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine (2016) 12:19, DOI 10.1186/s13002-016-0089-8
  

Further Articles of Interest

• De Avila, Alejandro (n.d.) Plants in contemporary Mixtec ritual: Juncus, Nicotiana, Datura and Solandra. Unpublished manuscript.
• Arisawa M, Ishiwari Y, Nakaoki T, Sekino S, Takakuwa T. Unutilized resources. III. Components of Juncus genus plants, the leaves of Aesulus turbinate, and the petals of Chrysanthemum morifolium. Shoyakugaku Zasshi 1969; 23(2):49–52.
• Ervin GN, Wetzel RG, 2000. Allelochemical autotoxicity in the emergent wetland macrophyte Juncus effusus (Juncaceae). Amer. J. of Bot. 87, 853-860
• de la Cruz, A. A. 1978. The production of pulp from marsh grass. Economic Botany 32:46-50 .
• Almeida CMR, Mucha AP, Vasconcelos MTSD (2006) Comparison of the role of the sea clubrush Scirpus maritimus and the sea rush Juncus maritimus in terms of concentration, speciation and bioaccumulation of metals in estuarine sediment. Environ Pollut 142:151–159
• Zahran, M.A., A.A. Wahid and M.A. EI-Demerdash 1979. Economic potentialities of Juncus plants. In Arid land plant resources, J.R. Goodin and D.K. Northington (eds): 244-260. Lubbock: Texas Tech University.