This is usually such a large plant that it is hard to confuse with any other rush in the vicinity. However if there are any doubts and the plant is mature, try feeling the sharpness of the extremely stiff leaves and bracts and there will be no doubt why it is called Sharp Rush.

J. acutus is mostly coastal and occurs in only a few places such as South Wales, south west England, Norfolk and Yorkshire. There is very little in Scotland but its is regularly recorded from the south eastern and southern coasts of Ireland.

Oxwich dunes, Gower peninsula, South Wales, 9th July 2009

Added on September 9th 2004, amended January 28th 2005, updated 6th February 2010, updated 13th April 2010