Juncus procerus

E. Mey.

JuncaceaeSeeds/NutsPotential hazards — see below
Caution — Parts of this plant may be toxic or require specific preparation. Verify with multiple sources before consuming.
Juncus procerus
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(c) Colin Meurk, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Colin Meurk
Juncus procerus
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(c) Marilyn Hewish, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Marilyn Hewish
Juncus procerus
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(c) Marley Ford, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC-SA), uploaded by Marley Ford

What to Eat

Edible parts: Seeds

None known.

Known Hazards

Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, there is a report that one member of this genus is possibly toxic to mammals.

Where to Find It

It is a temperate plant.

Australia, Chile, South America, Tasmania,

Countries: Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Paraguay, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

How to Identify

A perennial hermaphrodite with wind-pollinated flowers. Grows in medium loamy and heavy clay soils, including saline soils, across mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist to wet soil or standing water.

How to Grow

We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. There is also some confusion over the name. The name given above is the one used in the reports of the plants uses but the same name with a different author is mentioned in Flora Europaea. In that book J. procerus Bianca. is given as a synonym for J. rigidus Desf. a plant found in salt marshes and on maritime sands in Italy and Sicily. It is possible that the reports on the plants uses actually refer to that species. The notes on cultivation listed below are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a moist soil, bog garden or shallow water. Prefers a heavy soil in sun or light shade.

Propagation: Seed should be surface-sown in pots in a cold frame in early spring, with the compost kept moist. When large enough to handle, prick seedlings into individual pots and plant out in summer if sufficiently grown, otherwise in late spring of the following year. Division in spring is very easy; larger clumps can be replanted directly into permanent positions, though smaller clumps are better potted and grown on in a cold frame until rooting well before planting out in spring.

Medicinal Uses

None known.

Other Uses

The stems of Juncus procerus are used in basket making, thatching, and weaving mats, and are also used for cordage.

Wikipedia

A perennial hermaphrodite with wind-pollinated flowers. Grows in medium loamy and heavy clay soils, including saline soils, across mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. Tolerates semi-shade or full sun and prefers moist to wet soil or standing water.

Names & Synonyms

Junquillo

Juncus pallidus var. triandrus CheesemanJuncus valdiviae Steud.
References (2)
  • Leon-Lobos, P., et al, 2022, Patterns of Traditional and Modern Uses of Wild Edible Native Plants of Chile: Challenges and Future Perspectives. Plants (Basel) v 11 (6) Table S1
  • Rapoport, E. H. & Ladio, A. H., 1999, Plantas comestibles. Bosque Volume 20 No. 2. ISSN 0314-8799

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