Search

[?]

Open the Advanced Search

Field Woodrush

Luzula campestris

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:
60 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Bogs, gardens, grassland, lawns, meadows, parks, roadsides, wetland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Brown, 6 petals
 
Yellowish-brown rounded flowerheads in clusters.
Fruit:
A capsule containing a minimum of 3 seeds.
Leaves:
Bright green, grass-like leaves. Each leaf is softly hairy with a small knob situated at the tip of the leaf. Up to 4mm wide.
Other Names:
Australian Glow Worm Grass, Black Head Grass, Chimney Sweeps, Cuckoo Grass, Field Jonquil, Good Friday Grass, Sweep's Brush.
Frequency (UK):
Abundant  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Luzula campestris, commonly known as field woodrush or field jonquil, 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 meadows, woods, and bogs. 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 50cm tall and it is known for its distinctive basal leaves that are arranged in a rosette. It is also used in traditional medicine, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support its medicinal properties. The plant is also used as an ornamental plant in gardens and it is known for its ability to thrive in damp and shady areas.

Blog

Field Woodrush (Luzula campestris) is a herbaceous perennial plant native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It is a member of the juncus family and is commonly found growing in meadows, grasslands, and damp woodlands.

The plant has slender, green stems that can reach a height of up to 60 cm. The leaves are long and narrow, giving the plant a delicate appearance. In spring and summer, Field Woodrush produces small, yellow-green flowers that are arranged in loose spikes. The flowers are followed by small, brown, spherical seed heads that provide food for wildlife such as birds and insects.

Field Woodrush is a tough and hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of soils, from acidic to alkaline, and is also drought-tolerant once established. It is often used in wildflower meadows and is an excellent choice for naturalizing in damp, shady areas. The plant is also well suited for use in rain gardens, where it can help to reduce the runoff of rainwater.

In addition to its ornamental value, Field Woodrush is of significant ecological importance. The plant provides important habitats for wildlife and helps to stabilize soil, reducing erosion and improving soil structure. It is also a valuable source of nectar and pollen for pollinators, such as bees and butterflies.

Field Woodrush is a versatile and attractive plant that is well suited to a wide range of growing conditions. It is an excellent choice for use in wildflower meadows, rain gardens, and other naturalizing projects. With its ecological importance and its ornamental value, Field Woodrush is definitely a plant that is worth considering for any gardener or landscaper.

Field Woodrush is also known for its ability to withstand tough growing conditions and is therefore a great choice for gardeners who are looking for a low-maintenance plant. Once established, Field Woodrush requires very little care and is resistant to disease and pests. It is also an excellent choice for low-maintenance landscaping projects, as it will thrive in poor soil and can even grow in areas with limited sunlight.

The plant's versatility and tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions make it ideal for use in many different types of gardens, including rock gardens, woodland gardens, and rain gardens. In addition, Field Woodrush is also a great choice for use in gardens that are designed to attract wildlife, as it provides essential food and habitat for many different species of wildlife.

Field Woodrush is also a great choice for gardeners who are looking for plants that will add texture and interest to their gardens. The delicate appearance of the leaves and the spikes of small, yellow-green flowers make it an excellent choice for adding some visual interest to your garden. The plant also has an elegant and understated beauty that makes it a great choice for use in more formal gardens, where its delicate appearance will provide a subtle contrast to the other plants.

Field Woodrush is a versatile and attractive plant that is well worth considering for any gardener or landscaper. Its tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions, low maintenance requirements, and ecological importance make it an excellent choice for many different types of gardens. So, why not add some Field Woodrush to your garden today and enjoy its beauty and ecological benefits for years to come.

Field Woodrush is also a popular choice for use in wildflower meadows, where it provides a valuable source of nectar and pollen for pollinators and helps to stabilize the soil. When planted in a wildflower meadow, Field Woodrush can form dense clumps that provide a valuable habitat for many different species of wildlife, such as bees, butterflies, and birds.

Another great feature of Field Woodrush is its adaptability to different soil types. It is able to grow in both dry and moist soils and can even tolerate wet soils, making it an ideal choice for gardeners who are looking for plants that can thrive in wet conditions. This is why Field Woodrush is often used in rain gardens, where it helps to reduce the runoff of rainwater and improve the overall health of the soil.

In terms of maintenance, Field Woodrush is a very low-maintenance plant. It does not require any special care or attention and is resistant to disease and pests. It is also very easy to propagate, making it simple for gardeners to create new plants from existing ones. Simply divide the clumps of Field Woodrush every few years to keep the plant healthy and to increase its size.

In conclusion, Field Woodrush is a versatile, low-maintenance, and attractive plant that is well worth considering for any gardener or landscaper. With its tolerance to a wide range of growing conditions, its ecological importance, and its adaptability to different soil types, Field Woodrush is a plant that can provide many benefits to your garden and the environment. So, why not add some Field Woodrush to your garden today and enjoy its beauty and benefits for years to come.


Video

Field Woodrush filmed near Arley Hall, Lancashire on the 11th and 12th of March 2023.

 

Please remember to Like and Subscribe to the WildFlowerWeb YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/@wildflower-web

Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

Click to open an Interactive Map