Hairy Woodrush
luzula pilosa
Also known as: ["Woodrush","Hairy Woodrush"]
Overview
A small, tufted perennial grass-like plant with fine, hairy leaves and inconspicuous flowers.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Liliopsida |
| Order: | Juncales |
| Family: | Juncaceae |
| Genus: | Luzula |
| Botanical Name: | Luzula pilosa |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Herbs & Weeds
- Suitable Location: woodland garden or shaded rock garden
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"0–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"4–8"}
- Misting: rarely required
- Drainage: Moderate drainage; avoid waterlogged soil.
- Soil Type: Rich, well-draining loam with organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: very low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically after flowering or in early spring.
- Pruning Intensity: Light pruning.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Partial shade to full shade; tolerates low light conditions.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate slowly to brighter conditions if moving from deep shade; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch; ideal for shaded garden beds or under trees.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
partial shade to full shade
Prefers shade; avoid direct sun; tolerates low light.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water sparingly; ensure soil dries between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-drained, humus-rich soil
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Use rich, loamy soil; ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter.
Temperature
Cool temperatures; thrives in 50–65°F (10–18°C); prefers cooler climates.
Keep cool; protect from frost; avoid extreme heat.
Fertilizing
every 2 months during spring and summer
Use weak fertilizer solutions; fertilize in spring/summer only; avoid winter feeding.
Propagation
Methods
Division or seed sowing.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Divide clumps into smaller sections.
- Sow seeds shallowly in prepared soil.
- Keep moist and shaded.
Best Time: Early spring or after flowering.
Environment
Cool, shaded environment with consistent moisture.
Medium
Well-draining soil mix with some organic matter.
Hormone
Not typically required for division; optional for seeds.
Timeline
Division: immediate establishment; seeds: germination in 2–4 weeks, establishment in 1–2 months.
Tools Needed
Garden trowel, pruners, seed trays.
Quick Tips
Divide every 2–3 years; sow seeds in early spring; keep seedlings shaded.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Snip off dead or yellowing leaves at the base; trim back spent flower stalks.
Pruning Plan
Minimal pruning needed; remove dead or damaged foliage to maintain appearance.
Tools
Hand pruners or scissors.
Checklist
Remove dead leaves; trim spent flowers; clean tools.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before new growth begins.
Pot Size
No pot size increase needed for division in ground; for containers, use one size larger pot.
Method
Gently lift the plant, divide the root mass, and replant in fresh, well-draining soil with adequate spacing.
Suggestions
Not typically required unless grown in containers; divide clumps every 2–3 years to prevent overcrowding.
Checklist
Divide clumps; replant with fresh soil; ensure good drainage; space appropriately.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water lightly; ensure drainage; reduce in winter.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone without saturating the soil; allow excess water to drain away.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water lightly once the top inch of soil feels dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or leaf mold to enhance fertility and drainage; ensure soil is not compacted.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Wilting, yellowing leaves, or stunted growth in excessive heat; browning leaf tips in cold stress.
Cold Stress
Leaves may become brittle or discolored; growth slows or halts in freezing temperatures.
Solution: Provide frost protection in winter; mulch around the base to insulate roots; avoid overwatering in cold conditions.
Hot Stress
Leaves may wilt, scorch, or drop; growth may cease in prolonged heat.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water carefully to avoid heat stress.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use diluted fertilizer; apply during growing season; avoid winter.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer every 4–6 weeks during active growth; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicLuzula pilosa is not known to be toxic to cats. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicLuzula pilosa is not known to be toxic to dogs. There are no reported adverse effects from ingestion.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicLuzula pilosa is not known to have any toxic effects on humans. It is generally considered safe for consumption in small quantities.
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Luzula pilosa toxic to pets?
A: No, it is non-toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does Luzula pilosa require full sun?
A: No, it prefers partial shade to full shade.
Q: How often should Luzula pilosa be watered?
A: It is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Juncaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | partial shade to full shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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