Dudley's Rush
Juncus dudleyi
Family: Juncaceae
What it is like
Juncus dudleyi is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in). It is in flower from June to September, and the seeds ripen from July to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Exposed or shaded sites in sandy to clayey soils, usually moist areas such as along stream banks, ditches, around springs. Marshy ground in Britain.
Central and southern N. America. Naturalized in a few sites in northern Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The leaves are used in weaving mats etc. The leaves are rather small and are used in the finest mat work and for small pieces.
How it is grown
Easily grown in a moist soil or bog garden. Prefers a heavy soil in sun or light shade. This species is closely related to J. tenuis.
Propagating it: 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.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet
Things to keep in mind
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..