PROTECTING WISCONSIN'S BIODIVERSITY

 
 
   
 
Scientific Name Common Name Global Rank State Rank Federal Status WI Status

Bog Rush (Juncus stygius)

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Photo by Ryan O'Connor

 

Counties with Mapped NHI Occurrences

Bog Rush (Juncus stygius), a Wisconsin Endangered plant, is found in cold fens. Blooming occurs late-June through early-July, fruiting throughout July. The optimal identification period for this species is early-July.

Juncus stygius ssp. americanus, Juncus stygius var. americanus

 
 
 

Bog rush is a graminoid with stems that are solitary or in groups of a few, 10-35cm tall. It has an inflorescence of 1-3 compact heads, each 1-4-flowered, 1cm with wide and obtuse petals, 6 stamens, and anthers that are much shorter than the filaments. Fruits are ellipsoid, 6-8.5mm, conspicuously tipped with a short, sharp, abrupt point. Seeds are 2-3mm, with a thick pale appendages (or tails) at each end about as long as the body. It has 1-3 basal leaves or one cauline leaf above the middle. Blades are very narrow, sheaths firm, usually with slightly prolonged ear-shaped appendages.

Distinguishing characteristics include its 2-3mm seeds with pale tails or appendages at both ends, its 6 stamens, and very slender leaves.

Rhizomatous. Blooming occurs late-June through early-July, fruiting throughout July.

Perennial. The optimal identification period for this species is early-July.

Associated species includde Carex livida, Scirpus hudsonianus, Xyris montana, Arethusa bulbosa, Rhynchospora fusca, Utricularia cornuta, Triglochin maritimum, and Calopogon tuberosus.

Bog rush is found in the wet soils of cold fens.

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides and use care with spot spraying.

Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.

Avoid rapid and dramatic reductions in canopy cover and, basal area, in wet areas to reduce risk of swamping.

Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light. See forestry BMPs for invasive species.

This species is likely sensitive to water quality. Following BMPs around streams and buffering associated drainages will reduce eutrophication and prevent water quality degradation.

Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) are associated with habitats (or natural communities) and places on the landscape. Understanding relationships among SGCN, natural communities and ecological landscapes help us make decisions about issues affecting SGCN and their habitat and how to respond. Download the Wildlife Action Plan association score spreadsheet to explore rare species, natural communities and ecological landscape associations

Conservation actions respond to issues or threats, which adversely affect species of greatest conservation need (SGCN) or their habitats. Besides actions such as restoring wetlands or planting resilient tree species in northern communities, research, surveys and monitoring are also among conservation actions described in the Wisconsin Wildlife Action Plan because lack of information can threaten our ability to successfully preserve and care for natural resources.