Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Juncaceae

Genus:

Juncus

Species:

Juncus militaris

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

4-6 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

aug, sep, oct

Bloom Colors:

Green, Brown

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Canada: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:

★★★★☆ Based on number of butterfly and moth species using this genus as host plant (Source: National Wildlife Federation)

Host Plant for Caterpillars

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, acidic, nutrient-poor soil

pH:

5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

Commonly found in shallow waters of ponds and lakes.