Luzula sylvatica - Greater Wood Rush

Luzula is primarily used as an ornamental ground cover for shady areas. It is also at home in the natural woodland setting, combining well with other shade loving Perennials and ferns. This hardy rush can also grow under the shade of large trees.

Greater Woodrush is one of the best groundcovers for dry shade, but it will look its best if not left too dry.

I have strong feelings for this plant. Truly a foliage plant. Some gardeners remove the flowering stems because it detracts from the beautiful leaves. It will self-sow if you don't remove the seedheads, but that is so much the better.

Description: evergreen; clump forming
Foliage is bright green; blades 13 mm (1/2") wide; 30-40 cm (12-16") in height
Flowers May through July; 30-40 cm (16-20") tall

Ideal conditions: part shade to full shade; moist fertile soil but tolerant of moderately dry soil; prefers acid soil

Zone: 3 (find your zone; further info on plant hardiness)

Partner with: Epimediums, Bergenia, ferns, hostas

Suggested uses: groundcover in the shade

Season of interest: year-round (evergreen)

Drought tolerance rating: 2 (water to root depth every two weeks); further info

Native to: acid soils, streambanks and open woodlands in the UK, and central and southern Europe

Recommended spacing between plants: 40-90cm (16-36") why such a difference?

Pronunciation: Luzula (loo-ZOO-lah) sylvatica (sill-VAH-tee-kah)

More ornamental grasses

Compare Luzula sylvatica to our other grasses in this handy chart.