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Bulbous Woodrush

Luzula bulbosa

Last reviewed: August 2026

Bulbous Woodrush (Luzula bulbosa)
Photo: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

6"–12" H × 4"–8" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 432 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Wood rush is a clumping grass-like perennial that forms neat tufts of narrow evergreen foliage. It produces small clusters of brownish flowers in late spring and early summer, creating a refined groundcover for shaded areas.

In an HOA neighborhood

Bulbous Woodrush takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

  • Very uncommon and unfamiliar to most homeowners
  • Grass-like appearance may be mistaken for weedy sedges
  • Subtle flowers provide minimal ornamental impact

Wildlife value

This plant is primarily wind-pollinated so offers limited direct pollinator support. The evergreen foliage may provide minor shelter for small wildlife during winter months.

Common questions

How much sun does Bulbous Woodrush need?
Bulbous Woodrush grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Bulbous Woodrush bloom?
Bulbous Woodrush blooms in May and June.
Where is Bulbous Woodrush native?
Bulbous Woodrush (Luzula bulbosa) is native to AL, AR, CT, DE and 21 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
Is Bulbous Woodrush HOA-friendly?
Bulbous Woodrush takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Bulbous Woodrush? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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