Juncus arcticus is common on Sable Island, and is one of nine juncus species found on the island. Its slender stems - 30-50 cm tall - arise in rows from running rootstocks, forming large patches near freshwater ponds, and in cranberry and low-lying heath and sandy areas. This species is common in Nova Scotia. In North America, it is found from Newfoundland to Alaska, south to Pennsylvania and Texas.