Overview

Luzula campestris is a tufted grass like in the genus Luzula, part of the Juncaceae family, with deciduous foliage. It typically grows around 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, reaching full size in around 1-2 years. Luzula campestris grows best in full shade, full sun and partial shade, and tolerates most soils and acid and neutral pH.

About

Luzula campestris, commonly known as field wood-rush or Good Friday grass is a flowering plant in the rush family Juncaceae. It is also one of the plants known as chimney sweeps or sweep's broom because of the brush-like appearance of their flowers. This is a very common plant throughout temperate Europe extending to the Caucasus. This species of Luzula is found on all types of native grasslands, and cultivated areas such as lawns, golf-course greens and fields. Mature plants reach roughly 0.1-0.5 metres tall and 0.1-0.5 metres wide, carrying deciduous foliage. In the garden it prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade and most soil types. It tolerates acid and neutral soils, moist but well-drained, poorly-drained conditions and east-facing, north-facing, south-facing and west-facing aspects.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0Luzula campestris

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Luzula

Sunlight
Full shade, Full sun, Partial shade
Soil type
Chalk, Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral
Soil moisture
Moist but well-drained, Poorly-drained
Aspect
East-facing, North-facing, South-facing, West-facing
Exposure
Exposed, Sheltered

Plant details

Luzula campestris size, habit and characteristics

Plant type
Grass Like
Habit
Tufted
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
0.1-0.5 metres
Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height
1-2 years

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to plant Luzula campestris?

Luzula campestris prefers full shade, full sun and partial shade. It suits exposed and sheltered positions.

What soil does Luzula campestris need?

Luzula campestris is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including chalk, clay, loam and sand. It prefers acid and neutral soil. Aim for soil that stays moist but well-drained to poorly-drained.

How big does Luzula campestris grow?

Luzula campestris reaches a height of 0.1-0.5 metres and a spread of 0.1-0.5 metres. It takes around 1-2 years to reach full size.

More in the Luzula genus

Browse all Luzula