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Toad Rush

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Scientific Name:Juncus bufonius
Photo: Road Rush
Toad Rush plant
Ex Matters & Bozon

Status:

Native to Australia and many other parts of the world.

Plant Description:

Small narrow-leaved
annual rush with many slender stems, 2-39 cm tall, often quite short and grass-like. The leaves are thin, straight and channelled. Small clusters of 1-8 pale to rusty-brown flowers above a leafy bract (leaf-like structure) on a branched flower-head. Flowers in spring to early summer.

Habitat:

Found growing in a range of soils from sands to clays. Has a distinct preference for moist soils and is usually found near permanent water or at least periodic flooding for part of the year e.g. the margins of swamps or drainage lines. It is tolerant of slightly saline soils particularly when rainfall has leached out topsoil salt.

Comments:

Not very competitive but often invades disturbed ground (e.g. after cultivation). Autumn and winter growing species.

Photo: Road Rush
Toad Rush in flower
Photo: A J Brown
Photo: Road Rush
Toad Rush in flower
Photo: A J Brown