Botanical name:

Juncus Kraussii (Juncus maritimis)

Common name(s):

Sea Rush

About:

A native New Zealand rush characterised by its ridged, straw-like stems that are a blend of green and brown hues. This remarkable plant can be found inland at several specific locations, but it is predominantly a coastal species, thriving in swampy ground or on sandy flats that are influenced by salt throughout New Zealand. It is considered excellent for the purposes of regenerating or establishing wetlands, swamps, and waterways, contributing significantly to the ecosystem's health and biodiversity.

Natural habitat:

Primarily coastal where it is found in salt marshes, brackish stream, lagoon and river margins, estuaries. Also inland around geothermal vents at Lake Rotorua and Orakeikorako, and inland at the headwaters of the Rangitata River.

Growing environment:

Sun, Salt, Wetland, Wind & Coastal tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North, South and Chatham Islands. From Te Paki to the Okarito in the west and Dunedin in the South. Inland in the North Island at Lake Rotorua, at Orakeikorako, and in the South Island at Mesopotamia, Rangitata River.

Height: 90cm

Flowering: 

September – December with a brown, red/pink coloured flower/s

Fruiting:

November - April

Uses:

Riparian plantings & Pioneer Plantings

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed and division of whole plants. An attractive species ideal in rock gardens and one that should be used more widely in coastal plantings, especially bordering salt-marshes.

** Seed germinates without pre treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though