sea wīwī
about.
Juncus kraussii subsp. australiensis | sea wīwī, sea rush
A hardy coastal and wetland plant that thrives in damp, saline environments such as salt marshes, estuary edges, riverbanks, and brackish streams. It grows in dense clumps around a meter tall, with dark green leaves and golden-brown sheaths, topped by black or dark brown fan-shaped flowers. This rush spreads readily, making it excellent for stabilising banks, preventing erosion, and restoring wetlands. It prefers wet soils from sand to alluvium, tolerates salt, and pairs well with plants like wīwī (Ficinia nodosa) and oioi (Apodasmia similis) in rain gardens, biofiltration systems, and coastal plantings, providing both ecological benefits and visual interest.
typical habitat.
brackish streams, salt marshes, estuaries, dunes, geothermal areas
drainage.
wet
moist
sun.
full sun
mature specifications.
height | 1m
width | 1m
pollinators calendar.
flowering | September – December
fruiting | November – April
did you know?
Rushes (family Juncaceae) are a common feature of wetland vegetation, and many species look very similar. With over 50 species, Juncus is the largest genus of New Zealand rushes and can be challenging to identify, even for experienced botanists.
