Western rush facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Western rush |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Juncus
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| Species: |
occidentalis
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Juncus occidentalis is a plant commonly known as the western rush. It is a type of rush that grows in many parts of the western United States. This plant likes wet places and can be found in different kinds of natural areas.
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Western Rush: A Closer Look
The western rush is a perennial herb. This means it is a plant that lives for more than two years. It grows in bunches and has thin, stiff stems. These stems can reach heights of about 30 to 60 centimeters (about 1 to 2 feet) tall.
What Does Western Rush Look Like?
The leaves of the western rush are thin and wispy. They grow from the bottom of the stem and can be almost half as long as the stem itself.
Flowers and Seeds
The plant's flowers grow in loose groups called an inflorescence. Usually, there is one long, leaf-like part called a bract that sticks out far past the flowers. Each flower has brownish or reddish parts called tepals, which have green stripes. These tepals are a few millimeters long. Inside each flower, there are six stamens, which are the parts that produce pollen. The stamens have small tips called anthers.
After the flowers bloom, the plant produces a brown fruit. This fruit is a type of capsule, which is a dry fruit that opens to release seeds. The capsule grows inside the tepals.
Where Does Western Rush Grow?
The western rush is native to the western United States. This means it naturally grows in states like California, Oregon, and Washington. You can find it in many different kinds of places, as long as they are wet. It often grows in marshes, along streams, or in other damp areas.
