Greater Woodrush Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea'
ABOUT
The plant Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea', commonly known as Golden Woodrush, is a striking ornamental grass characterized by its vibrant golden-yellow, tufted foliage. The leaves are long and narrow, with a soft, almost hair-like texture, which creates a lush, mounded appearance. The Golden Woodrush produces small clusters of dainty brown flowers that may be noticed in contrast to the bright leaves in the spring season. The flowers are held aloft on slender, stiff stems which adds a subtle texture to the plant's overall form. This plant's foliage tends to lighten in color when exposed to more sunlight, while the shade may deepen the tones to a more muted yellow-green.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Juncaceae.
Synonyms
Golden Wood Rush, Golden Woodrush, Yellow Wood Rush, Yellow Woodrush.
Common names
Luzula sylvatica var. Sieberi, Luzula maxima, Juncus sylvaticus, Juncus nemorosus
ToxicityTo humans
Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea', commonly known as golden wood-rush, is not known to be toxic to humans. Therefore, there are no specific symptoms of poisoning associated with this plant as it is generally considered non-poisonous. Ingesting any part of this plant is not expected to result in toxic consequences for humans.
To pets
Golden wood-rush is not commonly listed as a toxic plant to pets. There are no widely recognized symptoms of poisoning as it is typically not harmful. However, as with any non-food plant, ingestion in large quantities may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some pets. It is always best to prevent pets from eating non-food plants as individual reactions can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Golden
Flower color
Brown
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Europe
Benefits
General Benefits- Visual Interest: Adds vibrant color with its golden-yellow foliage, which can contrast well against green landscapes.
- Ground Cover: Serves effectively as ground cover due to its spreading habit, reducing weed growth.
- Shade Tolerance: Grows well in shady areas where other plants may struggle, making it versatile for garden design.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for low-maintenance landscapes.
- Drought Resistance: Once mature, it can tolerate periods of dryness, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Erosion Control: Its root system helps to stabilize soil, helping to prevent erosion in sloped areas.
- Wildlife Habitat: Provides cover and foraging space for small wildlife, such as birds and insects.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers year-round foliage interest and can produce inconspicuous flowers that add to the plant's appeal.
- Adaptability: Able to thrive in a variety of soil types as long as they are well-drained.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography: The striking yellow-green foliage of Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea', commonly known as Greater Woodrush, provides a vibrant background or subject in garden and nature photography.
- Soil Erosion Control: Its dense growth habit can help stabilize soil on slopes and prevent erosion in woodland or naturalized garden settings.
- Craft Material: The dried foliage and seed heads of Greater Woodrush can be incorporated into floral arrangements and wreaths.
- Natural Dye: The leaves of Greater Woodrush may be used to extract natural dyes for coloring fabrics or wool in artisanal crafting.
- Educational Tool: This plant can be used in educational environments such as schools and nature centers to teach children about different types of woodland plants.
- Landscape Design Element: Greater Woodrush's golden foliage can be utilized by landscape architects to create color contrast in shade garden designs.
- Habitat Restoration: It can be planted to help rehabilitate disturbed woodland areas and restore native vegetation.
- Livestock Fodder: In some rural areas, tough and resilient grasses like Greater Woodrush may be used as emergency fodder for livestock, although it’s not the primary choice.
- Seasonal Decoration: The attractive foliage of the Greater Woodrush can be gathered in the fall for use in autumn-themed decorations.
- Pond Edging: Although it prefers well-drained soil, this plant can also be used around the edges of ponds and water features for a naturalized look.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe woodrush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe woodrush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea', commonly known as Woodrush, often symbolizes resilience due to its ability to thrive in shaded forest areas, showcasing strength and adaptability.
- Growth: The plant's vigorous growth habits reflect personal growth, encouraging one to continuously seek improvement and development in their life.
- Natural beauty: The golden hues of the 'Aurea' variety can represent an appreciation for natural beauty, reminding us to find splendor in the simplicity of nature.
- Harmony with nature: Given its woodland origins, Woodrush can symbolize a harmonious balance with the natural world, suggesting a life lived in sync with the environment.
WaterThe Golden Wood Rush should be watered evenly and consistently, allowing the soil to slightly dry out between waterings. Generally, this equates to watering once every week or two, depending on the local climate and indoor conditions. Aim to use about 1 gallon of water for outdoor plants or 8-16 ounces for smaller pots indoors, ensuring that the water penetrates the soil without causing waterlogging. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant may require more frequent watering, whereas in winter, watering should be reduced. It is crucial to avoid letting the plant sit in standing water to prevent root rot.
LightThe Golden Wood Rush thrives best in partial shade where it's protected from harsh afternoon sun. It can tolerate full shade as well, making it a versatile choice for spots that receive dappled light throughout the day. Avoid placing it in full sun as intense light can scorch the leaves and reduce the plant's vigor. An ideal spot would be one where it can bask in the soft morning sunlight and then enjoy the coolness of shade as the day progresses.
TemperatureThe Golden Wood Rush prefers cooler temperatures and can withstand a range from around 40 degrees to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It does not tolerate extreme heat well, so keeping it in a location where the temperature does not exceed the upper 70s is ideal. During cold winters, it's hardy enough to survive temperatures down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit, but ensure it's not exposed to harsh, freezing winds.
PruningPruning the Golden Wood Rush is primarily for aesthetic purposes, to remove any brown or damaged leaves and encourage new growth. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth begins. Cutting back the foliage can be done every couple of years to keep the plant looking tidy. Occasionally, older clumps may be divided and pruned to rejuvenate the plant and encourage more vigorous growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGolden Wood-Rush (Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea') thrives in a soil mix that is well-draining, rich in organic matter, and slightly acidic to neutral in pH (5.5–7.0). A mix of loam, peat moss, and perlite or sand makes an ideal substrate to support its growth, ensuring moisture retention while providing adequate drainage.
RepottingGolden Wood-Rush should be repotted every 2 to 3 years to replenish nutrients and prevent root crowding. Repotting is best done in the spring, just before the onset of the plant's active growing season.
Humidity & MistingGolden Wood-Rush prefers a moderate humidity level and can adapt to the average humidity found in most homes, which typically ranges from 40% to 60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light for indoor Golden Wood-Rush.
Outdoor
Plant in part shade with moist, well-draining soil for outdoor care.
Hardiness zone
5-9 USDA
Life cycleGolden Wood Rush (Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea') begins its life cycle as a seed, which upon finding suitable moist and shaded soil conditions, germinates in spring. The seedling emerges and develops into a young plant, forming a small rosette of golden-yellow, grass-like leaves. As it matures, the perennial plant forms larger clumps through vegetative reproduction, producing underground rhizomes that give rise to new shoots. Flowering typically occurs in late spring to early summer, with the plant producing stalks topped with clusters of small, brownish flowers that can attract insects, although it is primarily wind-pollinated. After pollination, seeds develop and are disbursed by wind, gravity, or potentially by animals, completing the reproductive cycle. In the winter, the plant may die back, but the rhizomes survive underground to regenerate the next spring, ensuring the persistence of the plant year after year.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Propogation: The Greater Woodrush 'Aurea', scientifically known as Luzula sylvatica 'Aurea', can be propagated effectively through division, which is the most popular method for this perennial plant. Propagation by division is ideally performed in the spring as the plant emerges from dormancy, allowing the plant to establish itself during the growing season. To propagate Greater Woodrush 'Aurea' by division, carefully dig up an established clump, ensuring to get a good portion of the root system. Then, gently separate the clump into smaller sections, each with several shoots and a healthy segment of root. These individual sections can be replanted in a prepared area of the garden, spaced about 12 inches (approximately 30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. It's crucial to water the new divisions well after planting to help reduce transplant shock and to ensure they settle into their new positions comfortably.
