Great Wood-rush

A native plant of damp, acidic woodland, moorland and stream-banks, Luzula sylvatica is an evergreen, perennial grass forming large clumps, spreading slowly by underground stolons. Flat, linear, mid-green leaves, with silky hairs along their edges, form a substantial clump, and some leaves persist through the winter. In May and June, arching stems rise above the clump, bearing airy brown panicles of flowers. A good grass for a shady woodland planting, or for a naturalistic planting on damp, peaty soils.

Site: Tolerates exposure
Soil: Moist, acid to neutral soil, preferably humus-rich; poorly drained soil
Position: Full shade, partial shade; tolerates full sun in reliably moist soil
Season of interest: Late spring to early summer in particular
Hardiness: Very hardy
Height: 2’7” (80cm) Spread: 40” (1m)

Photos by Matt Lavin, cropped, and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.