Stout stems and leaves are basal, cylindrical, rigid, with sharp stiff tips. 23rd St., Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 3-23-12. © Joan Avise

Spiny (Sharp-leaved) Rush

Juncus acutus ssp. leopoldii

A 3 ft. or taller green and brown perennial growing in dense-leaved clumps; overall uncommon but  locally common mainly along the coast in freshwater or brackish areas, salt marsh borders and  along small drainages and streams; northwest and southwest coast (Upper Newport Bay, Bolsa Chica, San Diego Creek), Santa Ana Mountains (Roberts). Juncus are wind-pollinated.  Fruiting time June - August.  Used by Native Americans in basket-making. More on use.

Status:  California Native Plant Society List 4.2, a watch list for species that have restricted distribution within California, moderately threatened. 


23rd St., Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 3-23-12. © Joan Avise

The long flower stems are similar to the leaves, and emerge from the base at all angles.  There are 1-6 flowers per cluster,  each cluster subtended by a clasping bract.  There are 6, pale brown, 2-4 mm. sepals and 6 stamens; no bractlets. 23rd St., Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 3-23-12. © Joan Avise

Bud. 23rd St., Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 3-23-12. © Joan Avise

Developing inflorescence. 23rd St., Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 3-23-12. © Joan Avise

Mature fruit. 23rd St., Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 3-23-12. © Joan Avise

Mature fruit. 23rd St., Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 3-23-12. © Joan Avise

Mature fruit 23rd St., Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 3-23-12. © Joan Avise

With brownish fruit clusters. North Star Beach, Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 9-11-11. © Joan Avise

The glossy brown fruiting capsules are spherical, containing elongate brown seeds with a tail at each end. North Star Beach, Upper Newport Bay, Newport Beach, CA. 9-11-11. © Joan Avise

Upper Newport Bay, vic Big Cyn., 5-4-13. © Ron Vanderhoff.