black needle rush (Star Island Grasses and Flowers)

black needle rush

Juncus gerardii

Summary ⁷

Juncus gerardii, commonly known as blackgrass, black needle rush or saltmarsh rush, is a member of the family Juncaceae.

Taxon biology ⁸

Of all Dutch native 'true' rush species, saltmarsh rush tolerates the most brackish or salty environments. The plant lives up to its name. In fact, you aren't even likely to find it in freshwater environments, unless there are remnants of salt still in the soil. Saltmarsh rush falls under the category of rushes that blossom at the top of the stem with more or less individual flowers. Red knob-like galls from the leaf-flea are often found on the stem of saltmarsh rush. Livestock will eat it as well, however they prefer red fescue or creeping bent-grass which grow along side this rush. So if there is a lot of grazing, saltmarsh rush will get the chance to dominate the vegetation.