Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Juncaceae

Genus:

Juncus

Species:

Juncus occidentalis

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Graminoid

Height:

2-3 ft

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

Low

Bloom Months:

mar, apr, may, jun

Bloom Colors:

Red, Green

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

United States: Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, Washington

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:

moist, sandy or clay loam

pH:

5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

tolerates poor drainage

Moisture:

consistently moist

Notes:

commonly found in wet meadows and marshes

Germination Information