Two taxa are sometimes recognised within J. bulbosus: J. bulbosus L. and J. kochii F.W. Schultz. The validity of J. kochii is still uncertain.

European regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
EU 27 regional assessment: Least Concern (LC)
 
This species is classed as Least Concern as it is widespread with stable populations and does not face any major threats.

J. bulbosus occurs more or less throughout Europe, but extends beyond the region only into North Africa, it has been introduced to Mauritius, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the United States. In Italy (including Sardinia), it is considered as very rare and to be near extinction. In France, it is restricted to the Mediterranean coast and to Corsica where it is common.

J. bulbosus is localised in the Mediterranean region and listed as Endangered in Switzerland, elsewhere in Europe it is widespread and abundant.

Juncus bulbosus typically occurs in or by water, in open, often seasonally wet habitats, on acidic to neutral soils, probably more strongly associated with oligotrophic conditions than acid water, given that it occurs in turlough in Ireland which are calcareous. It can tolerate deep submergence (even in fairly tanin-stained water) and survive on sands that are wet for only a few weeks in the winter.

There are no known past, ongoing or future threats to this species.

There are no conservation measures in place or needed.