Family: Juncaceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Autik. Bot.: 193 (1840)
Year: 1840
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Luzula
Vegetable: False
Observations: C. & E. Canada to NC. & E. U.S.A.
Description
The Hairy Woodrush, scientifically known as Luzula acuminata, is a distinctive member of the Juncaceae family. First described in 1840 by the botanist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque, this perennial plant is notable for its widespread presence in both Canadian and American eastern woodlands, ranging from central and eastern Canada to the North Carolina and eastern regions of the United States.
Hairy Woodrush thrives in these regions’ cool, shaded environments, typically flourishing in forest understories where it can benefit from the moist, slightly acidic soils. This hardy plant is especially recognizable by its tufted growth habit and the characteristic fine hairs that cover both its leaves and stems, which confer a soft, fuzzy texture uncommon amongst many forest-floor species.
The leaves of Luzula acuminata are linear, grass-like, and taper to a fine point, embodying a lush green hue that contributes to the verdant carpet often observed in dense woodlands. Furthermore, the plant’s flowering period generally occurs in the spring, when it produces small, inconspicuous blossoms that are borne on slender, erect stems. These flowers, while not particularly showy, play an essential role in the forest ecosystem by providing sustenance for a range of pollinators.
Ecologically, the Hairy Woodrush plays a pivotal role in maintaining the health of forest floors. Its dense growth helps to prevent soil erosion and provides habitat for various microorganisms and invertebrates. Additionally, its presence is often indicative of a healthy, undisturbed woodland environment, making it a valuable species for ecological studies and conservation efforts.
For those interested in botany or native plant gardening, the Hairy Woodrush can serve as a resilient and aesthetically pleasing ground cover, capable of enduring the challenging growing conditions typical of shaded, woodland areas. Its ease of maintenance and adaptability make it an excellent choice for gardeners aiming to cultivate native plant species that support local biodiversity.
Common Names
Eng: hairy woodrush, sharp-pointed woodrush
Fra: luzule acuminée
En: Hairy woodrush, Hairy Wood-Rush, Sharp-pointed woodrush
Ar: متلألئة مستدقة
Fr: Luzule acuminée
Synonyms
Distribution
- Alabama (native)
- Arkansas (native)
- Connecticut (native)
- Florida (native)
- Georgia (native)
- Illinois (native)
- Indiana (native)
- Iowa (native)
- Kentucky (native)
- Louisiana (native)
- Maine (native)
- Manitoba (native)
- Maryland (native)
- Masachusettes (native)
- Michigan (native)
- Minnesota (native)
- Missouri (native)
- New Brunswick (native)
- New Hampshire (native)
- New Jersey (native)
- New York (native)
- Newfoundland (native)
- North Carolina (native)
- Nova Scotia (native)
- Ohio (native)
- Ontario (native)
- Pennsylvania (native)
- Prince Edward I. (native)
- Québec (native)
- Rhode I. (native)
- South Carolina (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Tennessee (native)
- Vermont (native)
- Virginia (native)
- West Virginia (native)
- Wisconsin (native)
Additional Images
Flower
Taken May 9, 2020 by gene jones (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken May 9, 2020 by gene jones (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Feb 26, 2014 by EOL − Matthew O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Feb 26, 2014 by EOL − Matthew O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)
Habit
Taken May 26, 2014 by EOL − Daniel Carter (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 16, 2015 by EOL − fungjustin_112 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 16, 2015 by EOL − fungjustin_112 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 16, 2015 by EOL − fungjustin_112 (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 16, 2015 by EOL − fungjustin_112 (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2700818)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:443690-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Luzula acuminata Raf.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Graminoid