Luzula nivea
snowy woodrush
Mountains of central and southern Europe
Overview
Luzula nivea is an evergreen, clump-forming perennial in the rush family, growing 6-12 inches (15-30 cm) tall in leaf with flowering stems reaching 12-24 inches (30-60 cm). The grass-like leaves are narrow, to 6 inches (15 cm) long and about 0.25 inch (6 mm) wide, dark green, with margins edged in long white hairs. Foliage forms dense tufts that spread slowly to 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Clusters of small whitish flowers open at the stem tips from June through July, each cluster 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) across, fading to pale buff seed heads that persist into late summer. Growth is moderate; a single plant fills a 12 inch (30 cm) space in 2-3 years by short rhizomes and self-seeding. Foliage stays green through mild winters but browns at the tips below about 10°F (-12°C). In hot, dry positions the leaf margins scorch and the white hairs become less conspicuous.
Native Range
Native to the mountains of central and southern Europe, including the Alps, Pyrenees, Apennines, and Carpathians. Grows in subalpine meadows, open woodland, and rocky slopes at 2,000-6,500 feet (600-2,000 m).Suggested Uses
Planted as groundcover in woodland gardens and shaded borders at 12-15 inch (30-38 cm) spacing. Used along shaded path edges and in containers of at least 1 gallon (4 L). Self-seeding habit suits naturalistic plantings but can spread into adjacent beds in moist, bare soil.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Reaches mature size in approximately 3 years
Bloom Information
Flowers from June through July in most temperate regions, with bloom lasting about 3-4 weeks. In cooler upland sites flowering may extend into early August. Whitish flower clusters age to pale buff seed heads that remain on the stems into late summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Whitish to pale silverFoliage Description
Dark green with white-haired marginsGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in part shade to full shade in consistently moist, well-drained soil. Tolerates full sun where soil stays moist, though leaf margins scorch in hot, dry positions. Water during the first growing season in the absence of rain until the clump establishes. Self-seeds where soil is bare, producing scattered seedlings around the parent clump. Foliage browns at the tips below about 10°F (-12°C). Crown rot occurs in waterlogged soils without drainage.Pruning
Cut browned foliage to the base in early spring before new growth emerges. Remove spent flower stems after seed heads fade to limit self-seeding. No other routine cutting is needed; the evergreen foliage renews from the crown each spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
early spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 1 gallons