Oreojuncus trifidus is a species of rush known by the common names highland rush[2] and three-leaved rush.[3] It is native to the Northern Hemisphere, where it is an arctic/montane species with an amphi-atlantic distribution.[4]: 46
Description
Oreojuncus trifidus is a perennial herb with tufted stems up to 40 centimeters long, growing erect or drooping. There are a few grasslike leaf blades measuring up to 12 centimeters long. The inflorescence holds one to four flowers with brown tepals and six stamens. The fruit is a capsule a few millimeters long.[5][6] The plant reproduces sexually with its flowering structures and vegetatively via its rhizome, when it may form colonies.[7]
Habitat
This species grows in a number of habitat types, especially in alpine environments. It can be found in talus, on cliffs and ledges, fellfields, tundra, and meadows. It grows in a wide variety of heath ecosystems. The soils may be dry to moist, calcareous, and acidic.[7] They may be gravelly, sandy, and rich in iron. The plant is known as a pioneer on ski slopes and roadsides.[5] It may grow alongside many types of mosses and lichens.[7]
Distribution
Oreojuncus trifidus is an amphi-atlantic plant,[4] native to northern and eastern Canada, including the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and other low Arctic regions, the northeastern United States, Greenland, Iceland, Scandinavia, northern Britain, and northern Asia.[5] It also occurs in the high mountains of southern Europe.[citation needed]
While not rare in general, the plant faces threats in some locations. Some populations in the Adirondacks are harmed by trampling by hikers.[8] Rush habitat on Camel's Hump and Mount Marcy also suffers from trampling disturbance.[7] Rush-dominated heath in the Cairngorms is also potentially threatened by trampling.[9]
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