Juncus vaseyi


Juncus vaseyi is a species of flowering plant in the rush family Juncaceae. It is native to North America. The specific epithet vaseyi honors the American botanist George [Vasey (botanist)|George Vasey]. The species is commonly called Vasey's rush.

Taxonomy

Juncus vaseyi was named and described by the German-American botanist George Engelmann in 1866. The type specimen was collected a "few years" earlier by Dr. George Vasey along the Fox River near Ringwood, Illinois. Since Vasey had "paid a good deal of attention to this genus", Engelmann named the species in his honor.

Distribution and habitat

Juncus vaseyi occurs across North America, primarily in Canada. In the United States, it is most common in Minnesota.

Conservation

According to NatureServe, the global conservation status of Juncus vaseyi is secure. In Illinois, where the type specimen was collected during the mid-19th century, the species is possibly extirpated.