Luzula sylvatica
great woodrush
Overview
Luzula sylvatica is an evergreen, grass-like perennial in the rush family Juncaceae, forming dense tufts and spreading clumps 12-32 inches (30-80 cm) tall in flower and up to 18 inches (45 cm) wide. The arching, strap-shaped leaves are 0.4-0.8 inch (1-2 cm) wide and 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) long, glossy mid-green, with long white hairs fringing the margins. From March to May it sends up open, branched clusters of small chestnut-brown to reddish flowers on stems held above the foliage. The plant spreads slowly by short stolons to form weed-suppressing ground cover, mainly in shade. It grows in woodland, on shaded banks, and beside upland streams across much of Europe, on moist, humus-rich, often acidic soils. It withstands deep shade and poor, stony ground but browns and scorches in full sun on dry soils, and its slow spread means it takes several seasons to knit together. The marginal leaf hairs and evergreen tufts give cover for ground-dwelling insects, and the seed is taken by birds and ants.
Native Range
Native to Europe, from Britain and Scandinavia south to the mountains of Spain, Italy, and the Balkans, and east into the Caucasus. It grows in deciduous and coniferous woodland, on shaded stream banks, and in upland grassland on moist, acidic, humus-rich soils.Suggested Uses
Grown as evergreen ground cover in woodland gardens, on shaded banks, and under trees and shrubs where turf grasses grow poorly. It suits mass planting for weed suppression and edging along shaded paths, and the variegated and yellow-leaved cultivars are used for contrast in shade plantings.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 2'8"
Width/Spread1' - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Flowering runs from March to May, with branched heads of small reddish-brown to chestnut flowers carried above the foliage. The flowers are wind-pollinated and inconspicuous at a distance, ripening to dry brown seed capsules through early summer. After seeding the flower stems can be cut away or left to stand.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
mid-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Tolerates up to 4 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
Luzula sylvatica grows in partial to full shade on moist, humus-rich, neutral to acidic soils, and tolerates dry shade once established. It withstands cold and exposure but scorches in full sun on dry ground, where the leaf tips brown and curl. Plants need little attention beyond an occasional deep watering in prolonged drought and a tidy-up of old foliage. They knit into weed-suppressing cover over two to three seasons and can be lifted and divided in spring or autumn to make new plants. No feeding is needed on reasonable woodland soils. Established clumps tolerate root competition from trees and shrubs.Pruning
Pruning is limited to combing or cutting out dead leaves in late winter before new growth starts. Tired clumps can be sheared close to the ground in early spring and will regrow fresh foliage. Spent flower stems can be trimmed after seeding.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons