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White Woodrush

Luzula luzuloides

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
For more information please download the BSBI Code of Conduct PDF document.

Contents

Plant Profile

Flowering Months:
JAN  FEB  MAR  APR  MAY  JUN  JUL  AUG  SEP  OCT  NOV  DEC
Order:
Poales
Family:
Juncaceae (Rush)
Type:
Flower
Life Cycle:
Perennial
Maximum Size:
30 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Bogs, gardens, riverbanks, riversides, waterside, wetland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
White, 6 petals
 
The inflorescence consists of an open branched panicle. Each cluster contains between 2 and 8 short-stalked, off-white flowers. 3 stamens. 3 stigmas.
Fruit:
A 3-parted, oval to roundish seed capsule. 3-seeded. The seeds (1mm long) are egg-shaped.
Leaves:
A garden escape which is sometimes encountered in woodlands. Arching, grass-like, alternate leaves. Untoothed and stalkless. The leaves are pointed and hairy.
Other Names:
False Woodrush, Oak Forest Woodrush.
Frequency (UK):
Unusual  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Luzula luzuloides, commonly known as False Woodrush, is a species of perennial herb in the Juncaceae family. It is native to Europe, Asia and North America, typically found in damp, shady areas such as woods, bogs, and along streams and rivers. It has small, greenish-brown flowers that bloom in the spring and summer, and glossy, dark green leaves. It is a small plant that can grow up to 30cm tall and is known for its basal leaves that are arranged in a rosette. It is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and it is known for its ability to thrive in damp and shady areas. It is also used in traditional medicine, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support its medicinal properties.

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White Woodrush (Luzula luzuloides) is a perennial plant species belonging to the family Juncaceae. It is native to Europe, including the UK, and is widely distributed throughout the region, growing in a variety of habitats including damp woods, meadows, and heaths.

This species is well known for its attractive appearance and its versatility as a ground cover plant. The leaves of the White Woodrush are long and narrow, growing to a length of 20-30 cm. They are dark green in color, and have a slightly glossy appearance, which gives the plant an attractive, healthy look.

One of the key features of the White Woodrush is its delicate, spikes of white flowers, which appear in early summer. These flowers are borne in dense clusters on slender stems that can reach a height of up to 60 cm. The flowers are highly fragrant, and are a popular food source for many species of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

In terms of cultural requirements, the White Woodrush is a relatively low-maintenance plant, requiring only a well-drained soil and a position in full sun or partial shade. It is also relatively drought-tolerant, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who want to create a low-maintenance, drought-resistant garden.

In addition to its ornamental value, the White Woodrush has a number of practical uses. For example, the leaves of the plant can be used for basket weaving, and the stems can be used for thatching. The plant is also a popular choice for use in erosion control, as it forms dense mats of vegetation that help to stabilize the soil.

Overall, the White Woodrush is a versatile, attractive, and low-maintenance plant that can be used in a variety of ways in the garden. Whether you are looking to create a low-maintenance ground cover, or simply want to add a splash of white to your garden, this species is definitely worth considering.

Aside from its ornamental and practical uses, the White Woodrush is also of great ecological importance. The plant is an important food source for many species of insects, birds, and other wildlife. For example, the flowers of the plant provide a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies, while the seeds and leaves are eaten by a range of mammals, including voles and rabbits.

Furthermore, the White Woodrush is a keystone species in many ecosystems, playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of local ecosystems. The plant helps to stabilize the soil and prevent erosion, and also provides shelter and habitat for many species of wildlife.

In terms of maintenance, the White Woodrush is very easy to care for, requiring only minimal attention. The plant is quite tolerant of a wide range of soil conditions, but prefers a well-drained soil and a position in full sun or partial shade. During the growing season, it is important to keep the soil evenly moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent root rot. In the winter months, it is best to leave the plant to die back naturally, as cutting back the foliage too early can damage the plant.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the White Woodrush is a long-lived plant, and once established, it can thrive for many years with very little maintenance. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to create a low-maintenance, long-lasting garden.

The White Woodrush is a versatile, attractive, and low-maintenance plant that has a range of uses, both ornamental and practical. Whether you are looking to create a beautiful garden, or simply want to support local wildlife, this species is definitely worth considering.

Additionally, the White Woodrush is a versatile plant that can be used in a variety of different garden designs. For example, it is an excellent choice for a woodland garden, where it can be used to create a soft carpet of green under the shade of larger trees. The plant can also be used to create a wildlife-friendly garden, as it provides a habitat for a range of insects, birds, and other wildlife.

In a more formal garden setting, the White Woodrush can be used as a specimen plant, or planted in groups to create a mass of white flowers in the summer. The plant is also well suited for use in rock gardens, where it can help to create a natural, wildflower look.

For those who are looking for a low-maintenance ground cover plant, the White Woodrush is an excellent choice. The plant forms dense mats of vegetation that can help to prevent weed growth, and its dense foliage helps to retain moisture in the soil. This makes it an ideal choice for use in a garden where water conservation is important.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the White Woodrush is an excellent choice for a sensory garden, as the fragrant flowers and glossy leaves are sure to delight the senses. The plant is also a great choice for a cottage garden, as it has a delicate and romantic appearance that is perfect for this style of garden.

In conclusion, the White Woodrush is a versatile and low-maintenance plant that has a range of uses in the garden. Whether you are looking to create a beautiful garden, support local wildlife, or simply want a low-maintenance ground cover, this species is definitely worth considering.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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