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  11. Rush (Juncus)

Rush

Soft rush (Juncus effusus)
Soft rush (Juncus effusus)

There are 29 species of rushes (genus Juncus) growing in Germany which all belong to the rush family (Juncaceae). Rushes typically grow in clumps or tufts rather than forming an even lawn. Even if they are not usually perceived as such, botanically they belong to the grasses (Poales). One of the most frequently found species is the common rush or soft rush (Juncus effusus), which grows in wetlands and marshes. It can grow to heights between 30 and 120 cm, but other species of rushes are significantly smaller.

Rushes bloom from spring until summer and the ripe or semi-ripe seeds are very popular with birds. They can also be frozen at home to conserve them until winter.

Soft rush (Juncus effusus), ripe seeds
Soft rush (Juncus effusus), ripe seeds
Compact rush (Juncus conglomeratus)
Compact rush (Juncus conglomeratus)

More pictures of rushes can be found on NABU-naturgucker.de (German website, but also available in English language) and here are some more pictures of the soft rush.

German – English translation: Sarah Wiechers