Juncus arcticus var. mexicanus
Brittonia 35: 308. 1983.
Common names: Mexican rush
Basionym: Juncus mexicanus Willdenow Syst. Veg. 7(1): 178. 1829
Synonyms: Juncus balticus var. mexicanus (Willdenow ex Roemer & Schultes) Kuntze
Treatment appears in FNA Volume 22.
Herbs, 2–8 dm. Culms usually compressed. Leaves: blade distinct, somewhat flattened, to 20 cm or more. Flowers: tepals usually brown or blackish, 3.5–4.5(–5.5) mm; filaments 0.2–0.4 mm, anthers 1.2–2.2 mm.
Habitat: Intermittent or permanent water courses, around springs, and in meadows in sandy or gravelly soils
Elevation: 500–3200 m
Distribution
Ariz., Calif., Colo., N.Mex., Nev., Utah, Mexico, Central America, South America.
Discussion
Juncus arcticus var. mexicanus is the common phase of the species in the extreme southwest United States and Mexico; northward the variety becomes sporadic in its occurrence. Rare individuals having leaves with blades are sometimes found in otherwise bladeless populations in more northern areas but it is doubtful that these oddities represent an equivalent variant.
Selected References
None.
Lower Taxa
None.