VALUE AND USE
SPECIES: Juncus roemerianus | Black Rush 



WOOD PRODUCTS VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


IMPORTANCE TO LIVESTOCK AND WILDLIFE : 
Habitat:  Food and cover are abundant in black-rush-dominated coastal
marshes because plant density and net primary productivity are high.
However, few animal species have adapted to the rigorous conditions
created by the alternating terrestrial and aquatic environment.  Those
that have adapted are abundant; thus animal production is high, but
diversity is low [19].  Mammal residents include the nutria, muskrat,
rice rat, and marsh rabbit.  Other mammals, such as the racoon, cotton
rat, mink, and cotton mouse, are common visitors but prefer more
terrestrial, less frequently flooded marsh [19,25].  Black-
rush-dominated marsh is the primary nesting and feeding habitat of the
clapper rail and seaside sparrow.  Additionally, more than 60 species of
birds use habitats within this marsh type at least seasonally [25].

Food:  Black rush's value as wildlife food is limited.  Its small seeds
are eaten only rarely by ducks [17].  Although generally not a preferred
muskrat or nutria food, black rush leaves and rhizomes can be an
important food source for these animals in local areas [6,18].
 
Black rush is generally avoided by cattle [2].  


PALATABILITY : 
NO-ENTRY


NUTRITIONAL VALUE : 
NO-ENTRY


COVER VALUE : 
Black rush presumably provides good hiding cover for the birds and small
mammals that inhabit and visit coastal marshes.

The long-billed marsh wren, clapper rail, and seaside sparrow nest
primarily in black rush [19,25].  Rice rats, which prey on bird eggs,
also nest in black rush, usually in the vicinity of nesting long-billed
marsh wrens and seaside sparrows [19].  The black duck and occasionally
other waterfowl also nest in black rush [17].


VALUE FOR REHABILITATION OF DISTURBED SITES : 
Black rush may be useful for shoreline stabilization and for vegetating
dredged spoils, but direct planting is rarely justified because of
erratic transplanting success.  For shoreline stabilization, it is
easier to establish other species and allow black rush to naturally
invade where it is best adapted [14].  However, Stout [25] points out
that black rush is very slow to naturally colonize spoil islands in
Mississippi, often taking 10 years.  It is estimated that it would take
16 to 35 years for black rush to colonize spoils and form a closed stand
[25].


OTHER USES AND VALUES : 
NO-ENTRY


MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS : 
Black rush was effectively controlled with aerial applications of
various herbicides in Florida.  Plants were most susceptible to spraying
just before and during flowering.  Multiple cuttings also provided
effective black rush control [20].

Black rush is an increaser in coastal marshes grazed by cattle [2,24].  

Related categories for Species: Juncus roemerianus | Black Rush