Juncus validus Coville. Subgenus: Juncus. Section: Ozophyllum. Vigorous Rush, Round-headed Rush, Stout Rush. Phen: Jul-Sep. Hab: Stream and pond margins, roadside ditches, wet, open, often disturbed ground. Dist: NC to n. FL, west to TX, OK and MO; apparently non-native east of the Mississippi River (Knapp et al. 2011; Knapp 2014).

ID notes: Compared to other members of section Ozophyllum, this species has larger and more conspicuously flattened leaves. The heads are round with exerted long capsules, giving the heads the appearance of J. scirpoides but much larger. The inflorescence is very broad and open. In outline, the heads look like the smaller J. validus, and resemble a medieval spiked mace. The heads completely disarticulate at the apex whereas the very similar J. fascinatus remains united at the apex.

Origin/Endemic status: Native

Taxonomy Comments: J. fascinatus (M.C. Johnston) W. Knapp, endemic to TX, is better accorded species status (Knapp 2014).

Synonymy ⓘ: = AqW, GrPl, K4, Tn, Knapp (2014); = Juncus validus Coville var. validus – Ar, ETx1, FNA22, K1, K3, NcTx, Tx, Va, Bridges & Orzell (2008), Kirschner (2002b); = n/a – Tat; = Verojuncus validus (Coville) Záv.Drábk. & Proćków – Proćków & Záveská Drábková (2023); < Juncus validus Coville – C, F, G, GW1, Il, Mo1, RAB, S, W, WH3

Links to other floras: = Juncus validus var. validus - FNA22

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Wetland Indicator Status:

• Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain: FACW
• Eastern Mountains and Piedmont: FACW
• Great Plains: FACW
• Midwest: FACW

Heliophily ⓘ: 8