This is a very common rush which as you would expect grows by streams, lakes, dune slacks and in boggy places generally. It is a very variable plant sometimes being quite small and in other habitats growing to 80 cm. The joints referred to are distinct septa (hard bits) inside the slightly flattened leaves. You can feel the joints as bumps if you pull a leaf between a thumb and forefinger. This is not diagnostic as other rushes such as Juncus acutiflorus (Sharp-flowered Rush) also have septa in their leaves.

J. articulatus is found throughout the British Isles and Ireland.

Southport dunes, 23rd July 2005

Added on 23rd September 2005, updated February 6th 2010, updated 13th April 2010