Spiny Rush - introduced (*Juncus acutus)

Family: Juncaceae (Rush family).

Native of Europe.

Occurrence: Widespread and common in weedy places, damp areas and saline-affected soils.

Identification:

• the dark green stems are sharp-pointed (will pierce skin)
• the flower clusters are dense and reddish brown
• the seed cases are about twtice the length of the petals
• it forms dense tussocks.

Spiny Rush is a declared noxious weed and listed as Regionally Controlled in central Victoria.

It is also an environmental weed.

Photo 1: The large, dark-coloured flower heads are distinctive.
2: Spiny Rush. Lake Weeroona, Bendigo.
3. Spiny Rush infestation. Mildura.