Herbs, perennial, rhizomatous. Stems terete. Leaves basal; blade terete, not septate. Inflorescences terminal (sometimes appearing lateral) panicles of few to many heads, sympodial; bracteoles absent proximal to perianth. Flowers in few-flowered heads. Capsules 3-locular or pseudo-3-locular. Seeds usually tailed (not tailed in J. roemerianus).

Distribution

Worldwide, coastal in North America.

Discussion

Species 9 (4 in the flora).

Selected References

Snogerup, S. 1993. A revision of Juncus subgen. Juncus (Juncaceae). Willdenowia 23: 23--73.

Lower Taxa

Juncus acutus, Juncus cooperi, Juncus maritimus, Juncus roemerianus

Key

1	Capsules 3.5–5 mm; plants of sw United States.	> 2
1	Capsules less than 3.5 mm, shorter than or nearly equal to perianth; plants of ne United States Atlantic Coast.	> 3
2	Capsules nearly globose, obviously longer than perianth	Juncus acutus subsp. leopoldii
2	Capsules ellipsoid, nearly equal to or shorter than perianth	Juncus cooperi
3	Capsules nearly equal to perianth; seeds tailed	Juncus maritimus
3	Capsules distinctly shorter than perianth; seed not tailed	Juncus roemerianus