Data provided by the participants of the Consortium of California Herbaria

View additional distribution information on the Jepson eflora

Juncus mertensianus is a species of rush known by the common name Mertens' rush. It is native to much of western North America from Alaska to Saskatchewan to New Mexico, where it grows in wet mountainous areas such as riverbanks and alpine meadows. This is a clumping perennial herb growing from a vertical rhizome. Its smooth, flat stems grow to a maximum height near 40 centimeters. Its few leaves are located at the base and also along the stem. The flower cluster is made up of usually one cluster of many flowers. Each flower has shiny dark brown to black petals 3 to 4 millimeters long, six stamens with yellowish anthers, and long reddish stigmas. The fruit is an oblong capsule.

Plant type

Grass

Size

11 - 18 in Tall

Form

Upright

Growth rate

Moderate

Calscape icon
Color

Purple, Yellow, Red, Brown, Black

Flowering season

Spring

Sun

Full Sun

Soil description

Prefers sandy or loamy soils. Does not grow well in clay soils.

Sunset Zones

1*, 2*, 3*, 18

Site type

Meadows

Plant communities

Lodgepole Forest, Red Fir Forest, Subalpine Forest, Yellow Pine Forest, Wetland-Riparian

Caterpillars
Butterflies

Butterflies and moths supported

0 confirmed and 4 likely

Confirmed Likely

Javelin Moth

Bactra verutana

Yellow Sedge Borer

Capsula subflava