Herbs, perennial, strongly rhizomatous, 0.5–2.5 dm. Culms erect, slightly flattened. Leaves: basal 2–5, cauline 2–4; auricles absent or, if present, 0.5–1.5 mm, apex acute; blade flat, 5–15 cm × 2–3 mm. Inflorescences glomerules, 1–6, each with 3–7 flowers, open to aggregate, 2–6 cm; primary bract or distal leaves usually exceeding inflorescences. Flowers: tepals usually brown, ovate-oblong, 3–4 mm, margins scarious; inner series slightly shorter, minutely papillate; stamens 6, filaments 0.8–1.4 mm, anthers 0.8–1.4 mm; style 1 mm. Capsules 3-locular, narrowly ovoid, 4–5 mm. Seeds narrowly ovoid, 0.3 mm, not tailed.

Distribution

• Generated Map
• Legacy Map

B.C., Calif., Idaho, Mont., Oreg., Wash., Coastal to montane areas

Discussion

Varieties 2 (2 in the flora).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Juncus covillei var. covillei, Juncus covillei var. obtusatus

Key

1	Perianth dark brown, apex of inner series rounded; capsule dark brown, 1 mm longer than perianth	Juncus covillei var. covillei
1	Perianth pale brown, apex of inner series acute to obtuse; capsule pale brown, barely exceeding perianth	Juncus covillei var. obtusatus