Juncus procerus
Family: Juncaceae
What it is like
Juncus procerus is a PERENNIAL. 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 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.
Height (m): 0
Where it is found
Not known
S. America - Chile.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The stems are used in basket making, thatching, weaving mats etc. They are also used for cordage.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Thatching: Used for making thatched roofs.
Weaving: Items such as grass and palm leaves that are woven together for making mats, baskets etc. See also Basket making and Fibre.
How it is grown
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. There is also some confusion over the name. The name given above is the one used in the reports of the plants uses but the same name with a different author is mentioned in Flora Europaea. In that book J. procerus Bianca. is given as a synonym for J. rigidus Desf. a plant found in salt marshes and on maritime sands in Italy and Sicily. It is possible that the reports on the plants uses actually refer to that species. The notes on cultivation listed below are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a moist soil, bog garden or shallow water. Prefers a heavy soil in sun or light shade.
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: Pond; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist, wet, water
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.