Sudetan wood-rush (Luzula sudetica, Oestr. Fl., ed. 2, 1: 573 (1814))

Family: Juncaceae

Author: (Willd.) Schult.

Bibliography: Oestr. Fl., ed. 2, 1: 573 (1814)

Year: 1814

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Luzula

Vegetable: False

Observations: Europe to Caucasus

Description

The Sudetan wood-rush, scientifically known as Luzula sudetica, is a distinctive plant species within the Juncaceae family. First formally described in the second edition of “Oestr. Fl.” in 1814, attributed to the botanists Willdenow and Schultes, this species has carved out a significant presence across various regions from Europe extending to the Caucasus.

Luzula sudetica stands out for its resilience and adaptability, thriving in a range of temperate environments. This perennial plant is typically found in moist, shaded woodland areas where it contributes to the undergrowth’s biodiversity. Characterized by its slender, grass-like leaves which are often fringed with fine hairs, the Sudetan wood-rush embodies the subtle beauty of many woodland species. During its blooming season, it produces delicate, inconspicuous flowers that are a hallmark of the Luzula genus.

In ecological terms, the Sudetan wood-rush plays a crucial role in forest ecosystems. Its presence helps maintain soil stability and moisture content, supporting the complex web of life that depends on a healthy forest floor. Additionally, its widespread distribution from Europe to the Caucasus indicates its ecological versatility and importance in connecting disparate forested regions.

This plant’s adaptability and ecological significance underscore the need for its conservation, particularly as woodland habitats face increasing pressures from human activities and climate change. Despite its seemingly modest appearance, Luzula sudetica is an integral component of its natural habitat, exemplifying the intricate relationships within forest ecosystems. Understanding and preserving such species ensures the continued health and diversity of these vital ecological communities.

Common Names

Deu: sudeten-hainsimse
Nno: myrfrytle
Nob: myrfrytle
Swe: svartfryle, sykeröpiippo
Fin: sykeröpiippo
Sme: čáhppesgiilu
En: Sudetan Wood-rush
Ca: Lúzula sudètica
Fi: Sykeröpiippo
Fr: Luzule des monts Sudètes, Luzule des Sudètes
De: Sudeten-Hainsimse, Sudeten-Hasenbrot
It: Erba lucciola delle Alpi
Se: Čáhppesgiilu
Nb: Myrfrytle
Nn: Myrfrytle
Sv: Svartfryle, Sykeröpiippo

Synonyms

• Luzula campestris subsp. alpestris (Čelak.)
• Luzula campestris var. alpestris (G.Mey.)
• Luzula campestris f. althii ((Herbich) I.Grint.)
• Juncus sudeticus (Willd.)
• Luzula campestris subsp. sudetica (Briq.)
• Luzula multiflora var. nigricans ((Gaudin) W.D.J.Koch)
• Luzula campestris var. nigricans (Wimm. & Grab.)
• Luzula multiflora subsp. nigricans ((Gaudin) Neuman)
• Luzula nigricans var. althii ((Herbich) Nyman)
• Luzula althii (Herbich)
• Luzula multiflora var. sudetica ((Willd.) Parl.)
• Juncus campestris var. sudeticus ((Willd.) Wahlenb.)
• Luzula campestris var. sudetica ((Willd.) C. Hartm.)
• Juncoides campestris var. sudetica ((Willd.) Coville)
• Luzula campestris var. alpina (Gaudin)
• Luzula erecta subsp. nigricans ((Gaudin) Berher)
• Luciola sudetica ((Willd.) Sm.)
• Luzula nigricans (Desv.)
• Luzula campestris sudetica ((Willd.) G.Mey.)
• Luzula multiflora subsp. sudetica ((Willd.) Arcang.)
• Gymnodes sudetica ((Willd.) Fourr.)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Austria (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Corse (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• Finland (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Greece (native)
• Iceland (native)
• Italy (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Norway (native)
• Poland (native)
• Romania (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 25, 2021 by Noel Benson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 15, 2020 by Sascha Ruffiner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2020 by Cooke Sheila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 2, 2020 by Cooke Sheila (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 15, 2003 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 17, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Marie Portas (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 15, 2012 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Jul 15, 1994 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Mar 6, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Benjamin Suze (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (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/2700802)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30298570-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Luzula sudetica (Willd.) Schult.)

Specifications

Growth

Ph maximum: 5.0

Ph minimum: 4.5

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’]

Soil nutriments: 2