Straightleaf rush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Straightleaf rush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Juncus
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| Species: |
orthophyllus
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Juncus orthophyllus, also known as the straightleaf rush, is a type of plant that belongs to the rush family. You can find this plant growing naturally in western North America. It lives in places like British Columbia in Canada, and in the United States, it grows in California and Nevada. It especially likes moist areas in mountains, such as wet meadows.
What it Looks Like
This plant is a perennial herb, which means it lives for more than two years. It grows stems that can reach about half a meter (or about 20 inches) tall. These stems grow from a strong, creeping underground stem called a rhizome. Think of a rhizome like a root that grows sideways, helping the plant spread.
Around the bottom of the main stems, you'll see several flat leaves. Sometimes, there are also smaller leaves growing higher up on the stem.
Flowers and How They Grow
The flowers of the straightleaf rush grow in an open group called an inflorescence. This group has several smaller clusters, and each cluster can have up to 10 flowers. Each flower has green parts that feel a bit rough. These green parts also have brown edges and small, stiff hairs, called bristles, at their very tips.
