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. |