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 exposureSoil: Moist, acid to neutral soil, preferably humus-rich; poorly drained soilPosition: Full shade, partial shade; tolerates full sun in reliably moist soilSeason of interest: Late spring to early summer in particularHardiness: Very hardyHeight: 2’7” (80cm) Spread: 40” (1m) Photos by Matt Lavin, cropped, and licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
