Great Woodrush Luzula sylvatica
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as greater woodrush is a perennial grass-like plant that is noted for its lush, tufted, evergreen foliage. Its leaves are broadly linear, resembling flat, elongated grass blades, with a rich green color that often has a hairy texture. The hairy surface of the leaves gives them a slightly silvery or frosted appearance, especially on the leaf margins. As its name suggests, this plant typically thrives in woodland settings, forming dense clumps that contribute to an undergrowth of soft green texture. During its flowering period, greater woodrush produces clusters of small, brownish flowers. These flowers are arranged on slender, upright stalks that rise above the foliage, creating a delicate, textured effect. Each flower cluster is composed of multiple small florets that have a subtle, refined beauty. The seed heads that follow are also visually interesting, as they take the form of small capsules that persist on the plant. This adds to the plant's ornamental value, as the seed heads often remain attractive through the colder months. Overall, the greater woodrush is appreciated for its ability to add understated elegance to shady garden areas, providing year-round visual interest without overwhelming the landscape with excessive growth.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Juncaceae
Synonyms
Great Wood-Rush, Greater Wood Rush, Big-Leaved Woodrush
Common names
Juncus sylvaticus, Juncus sylvaticus var. conglomeratus, Juncodes sylvaticum, Luzula multiflora var. sylvatica, Luzula sylvatica var. henriquesii, Luzula sylvatica var. sieberi.
ToxicityTo humans
Great wood-rush (Luzula sylvatica) is not commonly known to be toxic to humans. There are no well-documented cases of poisoning by this plant, and it is not included in lists of toxic plants. Therefore, ingesting parts of the great wood-rush is not expected to cause harmful symptoms in humans under normal circumstances.
To pets
Great wood-rush is also not known to be toxic to pets. It is generally considered a non-toxic plant for animals such as dogs and cats, and ingestion of this plant should not cause significant symptoms of poisoning in pets. However, it is always prudent to monitor pets for any unusual reactions if they consume any plant material, as individual sensitivities can vary.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
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- Erosion control: Luzula sylvatica, commonly known as greater woodrush, has robust root systems that can help stabilize soil and reduce erosion.
- Habitat for wildlife: It provides shelter and habitat for various insects, birds, and small mammals within its native ecosystem.
- Aesthetic appeal: Greater woodrush has attractive foliage with a lush, green appearance that adds texture and visual interest to gardens and natural landscapes.
- Drought tolerance: Once established, this plant is relatively drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for low-maintenance and water-efficient gardens.
- Shade tolerance: It thrives in shady conditions where other plants might struggle, making it ideal for forest underplantings and shady garden areas.
- Low maintenance: Luzula sylvatica generally requires minimal care once established, making it a convenient option for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Ground cover: It can be used as an effective ground cover, spreading to form a dense mat that suppresses weeds and covers bare soil.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Luzula sylvatica, commonly known as greater woodrush, can be used in landscaping for ground cover in shaded woodland gardens, offering texture and contrast with its evergreen foliage.
- The greater woodrush serves as a habitat for wildlife, providing shelter for small animals and insects within its dense clumps in their natural forest environment.
- Luzula sylvatica is suitable for erosion control on slopes and banks due to its vigorous spreading via rhizomes which help to stabilize soil.
- The seed heads of greater woodrush can be incorporated into dried floral arrangements, adding a rustic touch to the composition.
- Due to its resilience in shade, greater woodrush is used to underplant larger shrubs or trees, where other plants might struggle to thrive.
- The tactile and visual texture of Luzula sylvatica makes it a sensory addition to gardens for the visually impaired or sensory trails.
- In ecological gardening, greater woodrush can be used in the creation of wildlife corridors within urban settings, aiding the movement and diversity of species.
- Greater woodrush is sometimes used in thematic garden designs such as 'witch' or 'fairy' gardens due to its forest-floor appearance and association with woodland mythologies.
- The plant can be used as a natural mulch due to its dense growth, suppressing weeds and retaining soil moisture.
- In craft projects, the dried leaves of Luzula sylvatica can be woven into small baskets or decorative items by enthusiasts of natural materials.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiWoodrush is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityWoodrush is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Resilience: Luzula sylvatica, commonly known as the woodrush, thrives in shady forest environments, symbolizing the ability to persist and adapt under challenging conditions.
- Humility: As a plant that grows close to the forest floor, the woodrush represents the virtue of humility, staying unobtrusive yet contributing to the ecosystem.
- Growth: Given its woodland habitat, the woodrush signifies personal growth, especially in terms of spiritual or inner development akin to the quiet expansion of forest flora.
WaterThe Greater Woodrush should be watered moderately, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It's best to water this plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically means watering once every week, although this frequency might need to increase during hot, dry periods. Depending on the size of the plant and the environmental conditions, this could mean providing about half a gallon to a gallon of water per watering session. Over-watering can cause root rot, so it is crucial to ensure good drainage and to adjust the watering schedule during the winter months when the plant's water needs decrease.
LightThe Greater Woodrush thrives in partial shade to full shade conditions. It should be placed in a location where it receives dappled sunlight or is protected from the intense midday sun. The best spot for this plant is under the canopy of larger trees or in a shaded garden area where it can benefit from indirect light.
TemperatureThe Greater Woodrush performs well in a temperature range from 50°F to 70°F and can tolerate minimum temperatures down to around 20°F. The ideal temperature conditions are cool to moderate, as it is a plant accustomed to forest environments. It can survive brief periods of colder temperatures, but prolonged exposure to temperatures below 20°F may harm the plant.
PruningPruning the Greater Woodrush is generally done to remove dead or yellow leaves and to maintain a tidy appearance. It's advisable to prune in the early spring before new growth begins, which encourages a fresh flush of foliage. This plant does not require frequent pruning—once a year is often enough, and it should be done with care to avoid damaging the crown of the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilGreat woodrush (Luzula sylvatica) prefers a moist, well-draining soil mix with a high organic matter content. Aim for a soil pH of 5.0 to 6.5. A mix of peat with some perlite, bark, and compost would create an ideal environment for this shade-loving woodland perennial.
RepottingGreat woodrush doesn't require frequent repotting and can thrive in the same pot for several years. Repotting every 2-3 years should suffice unless the plant has outgrown its current container, which would necessitate a sooner transplant.
Humidity & MistingGreat woodrush flourishes best in moderate to high humidity conditions, similar to its natural woodland habitat. Aim to maintain indoor humidity levels of around 50% to 70% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Great woodrush in bright, indirect light with high humidity.
Outdoor
Plant Great woodrush in shade or part-shade, moist soil.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleLuzula sylvatica, commonly known as the greater woodrush, starts its life as a seed, which upon germinating develops into a small seedling. The plant then grows through a vegetative stage, developing a rosette of basal leaves. With maturity, Luzula sylvatica forms upright flowering stems, which bear clusters of small, brown, wind-pollinated flowers. Following pollination, those flowers turn into capsules containing seeds that disperse to create new plants, thereby completing the cycle. In addition to seed production, this perennial grass-like plant can also reproduce vegetatively through rhizomes, enabling it to form dense clumps and spread within its woodland habitat. Each plant can live multiple years, going through the flowering and seeding process annually.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to early summer
Luzula sylvatica, commonly known as Greater Woodrush, is generally propagated through division, a simple and effective method to increase the number of plants. The best time for this is in the spring or fall when the plant is not in active growth. To propagate by division, carefully dig up an established clump of Greater Woodrush and gently separate it into smaller clumps, ensuring that each new piece has a portion of the root system attached. These smaller clumps can then be immediately replanted in moist, well-drained soil at the same depth they were originally growing. This ensures a quick establishment and reduces the stress on the newly divided plants, leading to a higher success rate and rapid growth as the season progresses.
