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Heath Woodrush

Luzula multiflora

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.
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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:
20 centimetres tall
Habitats:
Bogs, ditches, fens, gardens, grassland, heathland, meadows, moorland, riverbanks, riversides, swamps, waterside, wetland, woodland.

Flower:
֍
Brown, 6 petals
 
Reddish-brown flowers with conspicuous anthers about the same length as the stalks.
Fruit:
Brown, globular fruits. Field Woodrush is very similar in appearance but has 4 to 7 heads per flower, whereas Heath Woodrush has 8 to 14 heads per flower. 3 seeds per fruit.
Leaves:
Green, grass-like leaves. Hairier than Field Woodrush. Heath Woodrush is also seldom seen growing in lawns.
Other Names:
Common Woodrush, Many-flowered Woodrush.
Frequency (UK):
Common  

Similar Species

Other Information

Summary

Luzula multiflora, commonly known as many-flowered 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. 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. It is also used in traditional medicine, but there is not enough scientific evidence to support its medicinal properties.

Blog

Heath Woodrush (Luzula multiflora), also known as many-flowered woodrush, is a versatile and hardy ground cover plant that has been gaining popularity in recent years. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa and is known for its attractive appearance, low maintenance requirements, and ease of growth.

One of the most notable features of Heath Woodrush is its delicate and attractive appearance. The plant produces small, star-shaped flowers that are usually white or light pink in color. The foliage is evergreen, providing a lush and attractive appearance throughout the year.

Aside from its ornamental value, Heath Woodrush is also known for its low maintenance requirements. This plant is extremely hardy and can grow in a variety of soils, including those that are sandy, clayey, or acidic. It is also tolerant of drought and can survive in areas with low rainfall.

Another advantage of Heath Woodrush is its ease of growth. This plant spreads rapidly, making it ideal for use as a ground cover. It is also very versatile and can be used in a variety of landscapes, including rock gardens, woodland gardens, and meadows.

In addition to its ornamental and practical value, Heath Woodrush is also beneficial for the environment. The plant is an important source of food for many species of wildlife, including bees and butterflies. It is also an important habitat for many types of insects and small animals.

Heath Woodrush is a versatile and hardy ground cover plant that provides an attractive and low maintenance solution for landscapers and gardeners. Whether used for ornamental purposes or for environmental benefits, this plant is an excellent choice for those looking for an easy-to-grow and attractive ground cover.

Heath Woodrush is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of ways. For example, it can be used as a ground cover in a rock garden, planted in mass as a lawn alternative, or even used as a low-growing border along paths and walkways. In addition, it can be grown in both sun and shade and is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and conditions, making it ideal for difficult-to-grow areas.

One important factor to consider when growing Heath Woodrush is to give it enough room to spread. This plant will naturally spread over time, and it is best to plant it in areas where it has enough space to grow without being crowded by other plants. This will help ensure that it retains its attractive appearance and continues to grow healthily.

Another important factor to consider when growing Heath Woodrush is its water requirements. Although this plant is drought-tolerant, it does need a moderate amount of moisture to thrive. Regular watering during dry spells is important to keep the plant looking its best.

In addition to its ornamental and practical value, Heath Woodrush is also a valuable plant for wildlife. This plant provides important habitat for a variety of insects, small animals, and birds, and is an important source of food for pollinators such as bees and butterflies. As such, it is an ideal plant for gardeners who are looking to create a wildlife-friendly garden.

Heath Woodrush is a versatile and hardy ground cover plant that provides a low-maintenance solution for gardeners and landscapers. With its attractive appearance, ease of growth, and benefits for wildlife, this plant is an excellent choice for those looking for a ground cover that will provide both practical and aesthetic benefits.

It's worth mentioning that Heath Woodrush is a low-growing plant, reaching a maximum height of about 10-20 cm (4-8 inches). This makes it a great choice for planting in areas where taller plants would overpower the landscape or block views. Its compact size also makes it ideal for planting in rock gardens, around water features, or along the edge of pathways and walkways.

Heath Woodrush is also very easy to care for, requiring little maintenance once established. This plant is not only drought-tolerant but also resistant to disease and pests, making it ideal for gardeners who want to create a low-maintenance garden. Additionally, it is a very hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures, making it ideal for planting in areas with harsh winter climates.

Another benefit of Heath Woodrush is its ability to colonize and spread quickly. This makes it ideal for planting in large areas where a ground cover is needed quickly. It is also a great option for covering large areas that are difficult to reach, such as steep slopes or embankments, where mowing or other forms of maintenance can be challenging.

In terms of design, Heath Woodrush can be used to create a range of different garden styles. For example, it can be planted in large masses to create a naturalistic or woodland-style garden, or used to create a formal or contemporary-style garden when planted in neat rows or geometric patterns.

In conclusion, Heath Woodrush is a highly versatile and attractive ground cover plant that is ideal for gardeners and landscapers of all levels of experience. With its attractive appearance, ease of care, and benefits for wildlife, this plant is sure to become a staple in gardens and landscapes around the world.


Distribution Map

Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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