roundfruit rush, Juncus compressus

According to Wiki, rushes have historically been neglected by botanists. In 1819 James Bicheno said they are "obscure and uninviting". Seems to me the rest of us haven't done much better. When did you last wade into a wetland to take a close look at a rush? You should! They may not have petals, but up close they are beautifully complex. Those spiraling pistils are wonders of aerodynamic design, ideal for combing pollen from the air. Roundfruit rush grows in CO, IL, IN, MD, ME, MI, MN, MT, ND, NE, NY, OH, OR, PA, UT, VT, WI, WY, BC, MB, NF, NS, ON, QC, and SK. Mason Co MI, 9/2/13. Rush family, Juncaceae.