About
Luzula campestris, the field wood-rush, is a grass-like, tufted perennial to 15 cm with broad-bladed, dark-green leaves edged with fine silky hairs. Characteristic, dark-brown, chestnut flower and seedheads are produced in spring. A native wildflower often found in lawns on poorly-drained or acidic ground � ornamental in a meadow or wild garden.
About the genus
Luzula, the wood-rushes, are evergreen, sometimes stoloniferous perennials with flat, linear, grass-like leaves edged with long, silky hairs and tiny, brown flowers in dense or lax clusters in spring or summer. Grown in shaded and semi-shaded borders, wild gardens, and naturalistic plantings.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil typeChalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
AspectEast-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
ExposureExposed, Sheltered
UK hardinessH7
Plant details
Plant typeGrass Like
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height1-2 years
Suggested usesWildflower meadow, Wildlife gardens
Native toCosmopolitan
Care notes
CultivationPrefers moist conditions, and often dies back by midsummer. Can thrive in wet, acidic conditions where lawn grasses may struggle, making it a useful, and not unattractive, addition to a species-rich lawn. See field wood-rush in lawns for more information
PruningNo pruning needed
PropagationPropagates by seed and by creeping stolons (runners) on the surface of the soil; hand weeding can remove runners in fine lawns
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free