Foliage: Deep green, cylindrical reed like, arching foliage
Flowers: Inflorescence terminal diffuse spike to 20cm long with clusters of straw-brown to red-brown flowers. Flowering between December to March.
Fruit: Clusters of red-brown or golden-brown, darker (often blackish) in the upper half, shining, ovoid to ellipsoid, capsule to 3mm long
Habitat: Juncus kraussii, or Sea Rush, grows in coastal districts, often dominant in saline or brackish wetlands
Distinctive Features: Inflorescence terminal or pseudo-lateral, diffuse, 4-20cm long; flowers clustered, (rarely 2) 4-6 per cluster and 15-50 clusters per inflorescence
Similar species: The species is very similar to the introduced Spiny Rush (Juncus acutus) which grows in similar environments but differs in having smaller seeds (seed capsules 2.5-3mm long and dark-red to almost black coloured), many branched inflorescence of flower clusters and light brown cataphylls (short leaf sheaths) at the base of the clump
Comments: Juncus krausii prevents erosion and also makes a perfect fibre for weaving
