Luzula parviflora
A circumboreal, perennial, rhizomatous plant found in boreal and subalpine habitats including alpine zones and disturbed shores, growing about 20–100 cm tall with seeds capable of persisting in the soil for centuries.
Common Names
Smallflowered Woodrush, Small-Flowered Woodrush
Summary
Small-flowered woodrush, Luzula parviflora, is a circumboreal perennial in the Juncaceae family that forms grasslike clumps of erect stems with many grasslike leaves. It spreads by rhizomes to form clumps and reaches up to about half a meter tall. The inflorescence is an open array of many clusters of small brown flowers on long branches, and fruits are capsules.
In cultivation, it tolerates shade and requires moist, well-drained soils, thriving in cool climates. It is suitable for woodland gardens and shaded landscapes as a clumping grasslike accent; propagation occurs by seed or sprigs, and the plant may naturalize under appropriate conditions.
Lifecycle
Perennial
Height
1-3 feet
Spread
12-18 inches
Sunlight Requirements
Ideally full Sun to full shade, including partial sun and partial shade.
Soil Type
Moist, loamy soil
Soil Drainage
Moist, well-drained soil.
Soil pH
4.0-5.5, Acidic to neutral
Bloom Color
Brown
Bloom Time
Spring through late Summer
Foliage Color
Green, blue-green, gray-green, pale green, bright green.
Fall Foliage Color
Green
Leaf Lifecycle
Deciduous
Growth Rate
Moderate
Seasons of Interest
Spring and Summer
Propagation Methods
Seeds, Division
Attracts Wildlife
Attracts bees and butterflies, Attracts birds
Taxonomy
- Taxonomic Rank
- Species
- Author
- (Ehrh.) Desv.
- Publication
- J. Bot. (Desvaux) 1: 144 (1808)
Superior Taxa
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Subkingdom
- Pteridobiotina
- Phylum
- Angiosperms
- Order
- Poales
- Family
- Juncaceae
- Genus
- Luzula
Inferior Taxa
Luzula parviflora subsp. parviflora Luzula parviflora subsp. fastigiata Luzula parviflora subsp. melanocarpa
Synonyms
Juncoides spadicea var. parviflora Juncus parviflorus Luzula spadicea var. parviflora Luzula parviflora var. parviflora Luzula parviflora var. melanocarpa Luzula glabrata var. parviflora Juncoides parviflora Luzula spadicea f. parviflora Luzula spadicea f. parviflora