Juncus bufonius L.

Annual, rarely longer lived, tufted, light green or, in dry situations, often red-tinged, extremely variable, (2.5)–10–20–(40) cm high, whole plant easily pulled out of ground, roots fibrous. Stems simple or branched near base, branching above to form inflorescence. Leaves few, mostly basal, occasionally cauline, ± setaceous, ± channelled, auricles absent. Inflorescence highly variable in size and shape, often ⅔ length of whole plant. Flowers sessile, borne singly or in 2–7-flowered clusters. Tepals (3)–4–6–(9) mm long, outer tepals longer-acuminate than inner. Stamens (3)–6.Capsule (2.5)–3–4 mm long, < tepals, oblong, blunt, green to bright red-brown.

[From: Healy and Edgar (1980) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 3.]