FLORA OF ICELAND elements: Juncus articulatus, Jointed Rush, Laugasef

Juncus articulatus; The Jointed rush can be found on moist soils and along streams. This rush can be identified by the spreading stalks above the foliage bearing a cluster of flowers. A very similar species is Junus alpinoarticulatus, the Alpine Rush. The Jointed Rush can be identified by the spreading flower stalks (not clear though when young), the lower outer stems more or less spreading horizontally and the stems are usually reddish on the bottom. Another differentiating characteristic in a well developed inflorescence is that the Jointed Rush always has at least on stalk horizontal where in the Alpine Rush all stalks grow upwards. Also (this requires a magnifying glass to see) the outer perianth is more acute at the top with a small pointed tip protruding from the top. The Icelandic name of this species is Laugasef.
It is a member of the rush family (Juncaceae).