Rocky Mountain Rush

Juncus saximontanus

Also known as: Tracy's Rush

Native to:
Canada, Mexico, United States

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Juncaceae
Genus:
Juncus
Species:
Juncus saximontanus
USDA Symbol:
JUSA

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Graminoid
Height:
60 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Low
Bloom Months:
jun,jul,aug
Bloom Colors:
brown, green

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★☆☆☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
waterfowl, songbirds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fire Ecology:
Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
Fire Notes:
Resprouts from rhizomes following fire; tolerates periodic burning in wet meadow systems.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
moist, nutrient-rich, loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
tolerates poor drainage
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
commonly found in wet meadows and stream banks

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
Germination Time:
14–30 days
Notes:
Requires light for germination; surface sow and keep moist.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI