Spiked wood-rush (Luzula spicata, J.B.A.M.de Lamarck & A.P.de Candolle, Fl. Franç., ed. 3, 3: 161 (1805))

Family: Juncaceae

Author: (L.) DC.

Bibliography: J.B.A.M.de Lamarck & A.P.de Candolle, Fl. Franç., ed. 3, 3: 161 (1805)

Year: 1805

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Luzula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic & Subalpine Northern Hemisphere

Description

The spiked wood-rush, scientifically known as Luzula spicata, is a fascinating plant species belonging to the Juncaceae family. First described in the early 19th century by the notable botanists J.B.A.M. de Lamarck and A.P. de Candolle in their work on the French flora, this plant has since captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Luzula spicata is native to subarctic and subalpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere, where it thrives in cool, high-altitude environments. Its presence in such specific habitats highlights its adaptability and resilience to harsh climatic conditions. The spiked wood-rush is characterized by its tufts of grass-like leaves and distinctive flower spikes, which give the plant its common name. These spikes are often dark brown to black and bloom during the summer months, adding a striking contrast to the plant’s greenery.

In terms of its morphology, Luzula spicata possesses a clumping growth habit, forming dense mats that can help prevent soil erosion in its native rugged landscapes. The leaves are typically narrow and elongated, edged with fine hairs that can catch and hold onto moisture, an adaptation that is particularly beneficial in its often dry and windy habitats.

Ecologically, the spiked wood-rush plays a crucial role in its environment. By forming mats, it helps stabilize the soil and provides a microhabitat for various small organisms. Moreover, it can be an important component of the local flora, contributing to biodiversity and the overall health of subarctic and subalpine ecosystems.

In conclusion, Luzula spicata is not just a plant of botanical interest; it is a resilient and ecologically significant species that flourishes in some of the toughest environments on Earth. Its presence across the Northern Hemisphere stands as a testament to the incredible adaptability of plants to survive and thrive under challenging conditions.

Common Names

Eng: spiked wood-rush, spiked woodrush
Nno: aksfrytle
Nob: aksfrytle
Nor: ax-frytle, svartfrytle
Swe: axfryle, tähkäpiippo
Fin: tähkäpiippo
Deu: ähren-hainsimse, ährige hainsimse
Fra: luzule en épi
Sme: oaivegiilu
Cym: brwynen fynyddig, coedfrwynen sbigog, coedfrwynen ysbigog
En: Spiked wood-rush, Spiked woodrush
Fi: Tähkäpiippo
Fr: Luzule en épi, Luzule en épis
De: Ähren-Hainsimse, Ährige Hainsimse
It: Erba lucciola pendula
Se: Oaivegiilu
No: Ax-frytle, Svartfrytle
Nb: Aksfrytle
Nn: Aksfrytle
Sv: Axfryle, Tähkäpiippo
Cy: Brwynen Fynyddig, Coedfrwynen Sbigog, Coedfrwynen Ysbigog

Synonyms

• Juncus spicatus (L.)
• Luciola spicata ((L.) Sm.)
• Juncoides spicata ((L.) Kuntze)
• Gymnodes spicata ((L.) Fourr.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Alaska (native)
• Albania (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Aleutian Is. (native)
• Altay (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Austria (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• California (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Føroyar (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Greenland (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Idaho (native)
• Iran (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• Montana (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Nevada (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Norway (native)
• Oregon (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Poland (native)
• Québec (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Spain (native)
• Svalbard (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Tuva (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• Vermont (native)
• Washington (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Yukon (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 29, 2014 by EOL − podiceps (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 1986 by Andrew Gagg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Pascal Rodmacq (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 11, 2009 by EOL − Barbora Pangrácová (public)

Taken Jul 4, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 4, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Mathieu MENAND (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Mar 18, 2020 by Tanguy POTARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 10, 2018 by Gėrard POUCH (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 17, 2020 by ca co (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2700795)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:443940-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Luzula spicata (L.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth form: Bunch

Growth habit: Graminoid

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.5

Ph minimum: 4.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 1