Luzula campestris
field wood-rush
A grass-like perennial to 15cm high, with broad-bladed dark green leaves, edged with fine silky hairs. Produces distinctive dark brown flower and seed heads in spring. Spreads rapidly and is often found in lawns where turf grasses are weakened by poor drainage or acidic conditions
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Poorly–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | ||||
| Winter |
Position
- Full shade
- Full sun
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or North–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or Sheltered Hardiness
H7Botanical details
- Family
- Juncaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- Yes
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Luzula are evergreen perennials, sometimes stoloniferous, with flat, linear leaves and tiny brown flowers in dense or lax clusters in spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Cosmopolitan
How to grow
Cultivation
Prefers moist conditions, and often dies back by midsummer. Rapid growth and spread mean that this plant is generally considered a weed. Improving soil conditions can help fine turf grasses to compete, see coarse grasses in lawns for more advice
Propagation
Propagates by seed and by creeping stolons (runners) on the surface of the soil; hand weeding can remove runners
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
In lawns, regular mowing can prevent the development of flowers and seed heads; clippings should be removed to prevent spread. Rake before mowing to raise runners from the soil surface
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.