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Western Wetland Flora

Field Office Guide to Plant Species

Three-flower Rush
Juncus triglumis L.

JPG -- Species Photo JPG -- Distribution Map

Family: Rush (Juncaceae)
Flowering: July-August
Field Marks: This densely tufted perennial rush differs from all other rushes by its solitary head of flowers subtended by an awn-tipped bract shorter than or barely as long as the head.
Habitat: Fens, open wet areas, at or near timberline in the mountains.
Habit: Densely tufted perennial with fibrous roots.
Stems: Upright, very slender, up to 8 inches tall, smooth.
Leaves: Several crowded at the base of the plant, rolled up into a very slender hollow tube, about 1/36 inch wide, smooth but septate.
Flowers: 2-several crowded into a solitary head, the head subtended by an awn-tipped bract shorter than or barely longer than the head.
Sepals: 3, whitish or brown, lanceolate, pointed at the tip, up to 1/4 inch long.
Petals: 3, whitish or brown, lanceolate, pointed at the tip, slightly shorter than the sepals.
Stamens: 6.
Pistils: Ovary superior.
Fruits: Capsules brown, rounded at the tip, up to nearly 1/4 inch long, usually slightly shorter than to barely as long as the sepals.

Previous Species -- Sierra Rush (Juncus nevadensis)
Return to Species List -- Group 4
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U.S. Department of the Interior | U.S. Geological Survey
URL: http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/plants/florawe/species/4/junctrig.htm
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Page Last Modified: Saturday, 02-Feb-2013 06:25:10 EST
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